To Better Know a Country: #1 France

Welcome to the first in a new series of what I'll call, "To Better Know a Country." The First one, France.

Today the French will elect a new leader to power and the country seems a bit divided. The polls suggest that Nicolas Sarkozy is most likely to win. He faces, the first would be woman President in France, Segolene Royal. She is the socialist candidate, concentrating on a new direction and a recall to more socialist policies. Sarkozy promises equally new amounts of change, but in the other direction. He claims to be able to pull the economy out of the doldrums and fix the current unemployment hanging around 8%.

Some main concerns that have arisen along the way; both candidates seem to love to discuss their feelings and themselves and not so much their qualifications and policies. This is especially true for Mrs. Royal who has been nicknamed Egolene... (comme Egoist). Sarkozy is not far behind in that camp, but he seems to pull it off with a more authoritative demeanor. During the last debates he was attacked by Mrs. Royal and managed to come of as the more level headed and prudent candidate. Wrapping up our brief critique of Royal is the well reported notion that she has absolutely no foreign affairs experience or direction. In this age of Globalization and increasing free trade, foreign affairs are more important than ever. This may indeed be her downfall.

Speaking of open borders, Sarkozy has faced a great deal of criticism from the French over his immigration policies. He holds a very hardline stance on immigration, promoting closed borders and a return to a more pure French state. During the car-burning rioting escapades of last year his tough stance on juveniles and immigrants disturbed many in the country and helped proliferate a rift between the French and their increasingly alienated immigrant population. Closed borders and rifts with a large portion of the population just won't do Mr. Sarkozy. Ultimately though the French will probably get behind this man because he does appear to be the more qualified candidate, and he promises more economic security. At the end of the day people still worry about their well-being, which is very influenced by the bottom line.

Something to consider though. France will be France, and despite all the tough talk of change France has proven remarkably resistant to change. And why not, the majority of their population enjoys a rich cultural lifestyle seeped in tradition. Craig Smith at the NYT says it well with Forget Who'll Win in France. Change Is a Loser.

Update: Sarkozy takes the Presidency (You can read about it anywhere)
Here is a good video

Next Series, Turkey...