Living in France : The Sarkozy effect
At 8pm local time Nicolas Sarkozy was elected the new president of the fifth republic of France after a highly charged campaign from both candidates. While the two candidates offered very different ideas on the future of the country, many of the French hesitated on their choice right up to the last minute. Perhaps the most important result was the enormous turn out for the vote.
The French are definitely ready for a change and with less than 15% abstentions they have made it known. Nicolas Sarkozy gained a comfortable lead from the French electorate, one that expresses a national desire to inject some dynamism into a traditionally institutionalised country.
While Madame Royale promised a review of the welfare state without loosing the social protection that so many French rely on, Mr Sarkozy presents a more radical view of France’s future. One driven by the unchaining of the economy from the traditional institutions that Ségolène Royale wishes to maintain, with a manifesto which he believes will promote a new pride in the national identity and strong economic growth.
The number of young voters was unprecedented in this election. With France’s recent history of riots and demonstrations among this demographic, often fueled by right wing policies, this marks quite a turn around in attitude.
It is maybe the charisma of Mr Sarkozy that has swung the voters to his camp. It is true that his public addresses over the campaign have been, on the face of it, heartfelt and inspiring. He has taken many risks and has stood firm, which while building his credibility, has helped fire up the French in both camps.
Madame Royale offered a new break from the right with no compromise on the traditional values of the French, but her program for change, it seems, wasn’t enough.
So what does this mean for the future of France?
On the national level there is great deal of uncertainty about how far Mr Sarkozy is going to go to revamp France. Many French are concerned about the impact of the new president on their civil liberties and more generally the French still hold their traditions and institutions close to their hearts.
It cannot be denied that such traditions have maintained a sense of national pride and provided a unique culture that is recognised and celebrated by nations across the world (France still remains the most visited country with around 75 million visitors a year).
France, economically speaking though, is slowly chocking on these protectionist institutions and is loosing its image as a great nation. Its voice in the global arena is in danger of becoming weak.
Instead of snubbing global policies it must strive to embrace and influence them. France has consistently offered a strong check and balance on various global issues and has historicly good relations with many emerging economies and world cultures that many of its western friends envy.
Certainly, with Mr Sarkozy at the helm, new interest in France will be generated among the western world. However, while foreign investment is likely to be forthcoming, many European member states, who saw the French economy as a flagstone of Europe, may be hedging their bets on Mr Sarkozy due to his commitment to a new Franco-American alliance.
The French legislative elections later this year will heavily influence Mr Sarkozy’s game plan. A swing to the left will certainly balance his ambitions; another step to the right may provide him with a ‘carte blanche’.
Only time will tell but France is now standing up and is being counted.
Labels: administration, community, expatriate, France, life
