Rockin' the Vote, French Style!

On sunday the french will go to the polls to cast their votes in the "Regional Elections". It is akin to electing the govenor of a state, and the trains, neighborhood brasseries, and dinner parties are all abuzz with political debate. One never sees posters and signs supporting a particular candidate in a front yard here, rather the Hotel de Ville (City Hall) erects large metal posterboards in front of the gates with all parties represented. It is mind boggling how many political parties have sprung up here in France. I counted no fewer than 9 (and I know there are more), from the "UMP" (republican) to to the "NPA" (nouveau anticapitalist party) and everything in between. There are two ecology parties, a socialist party, and a democratic movement. Certain decsendants of the Bourbon monarchy have even created a royalist party, with the fleur de lis as their symbol (as if)! When I arrived three years ago - during the presidental elections - I was completely amazed to discover it was possible in France to vote for a member of the communist party, I had never even met a communist in my life! I imagined my grandfather rolling over in his grave as I studied the poster for the Front Gauche ("left front" or "PCF"- the french communist party), as well as certain friends back home that lean a little more toward the right having a nuclear meltdown, and I chuckled as I snapped photos to show everyone. But I seriously wanted to know more about what the "man on the street" was thinking, so I politely asked a few passers by if I could have their opinion. I began by asking what they considered to be the most pressing issue they wish their government would address. Without exception, their response was "the redistribution of wealth." When I asked them to elaborate, without exception, I was told that there is much money in the coffers from the high taxes they pay. From housing subsidies for minimum wage earners and senior citizens to ensuring their healthcare system stays afloat, I found it interesting that social programs were a high priority in the minds of the french. I asked if they wanted the government to lower their taxes, and again, without exception, they said "no". They just wanted the money to be spent wisely, redistributed to those who need it most, and for the government to keep their pension system strong. Imagine a place where tax cuts aren't a political talking point. Sometimes being in France is like being on another planet! With regards to the plethera of political parties, it seems that the UMP is the strongest at present. This is the party of President Nicolas Sarkozy. The local UMP candidate is the current frontrunner after the primary election held last sunday. The socialist party - represented in the presidential elections of 2007 by female candidate Ségolène Royale - is large but in as much disarray as the republican party is in America, and has splintered into many factions thereby weakening their ability to win a major election. I learned that the communist party represents about 3% of the voting public, so of course they have no power (though the former Minister of Sports is a card carrying member)! Recently, a former member of the "PCF" became disenchanted with the leadership of the movement and formed his own party - the "NPA" - basically a party of one. Apparantly he just wanted to be heard. I was told that only about 50% of eligible voters will go to the polls this sunday, with the other 50% suffering from apathy or disenchantment with the system. I will investigate further the latter and report my findings in a future entry. In conclusion, I think it is mutually beneficial to adopt the best of what each culture has to offer. As France has long considered the United States as a model (they were inspired by the American Revolution to rise up against their own oppressive monarchy), I think Americans can take the best of what is french; a higher sense of social justice. We are our brothers keeper. Afterword: The socialists have prevailed in the "regionals", prompting the press to declare pink the colour of the day. As it stands today, the President of France and much of his cabinet are "à droite" (to the right), whilst the leadership in the various regions of the country are decidedly "gauche" (left). This is possibly an electoral backlash to the policies of Sarkozy, who has been slashing social programs and cutting jobs in civil service.