French National Election

Yesterday was an important day in France, as 84% of French adults turned out to vote for their new President. 84% is a pretty staggering number, and I can attest to the crowds at the polling places, because I live across the street from an elementary school that was used as a voting station. I overheard one woman say it was the first time in her memory that she had to stand in line to vote!

A few weeks ago, the Presidential choice was narrowed down to two candidates: Nicolas Sarkozy (right-wing) and Segolene Royal (left-wing), and the voters made their final decision yesterday, electing Nicolas Sarkozy with 53% of the vote.

I don't follow French politics that much. For the most part, I don't understand it. I don't feel as invested in it as I do American politics (which I still sometimes don't understand!). I do know that Sarkozy is very tough on immigration--he was partially responsible for the violence in the 2005 "suburb riots" in Paris, calling the Arab/African youth "scum" publicly. He is also very committed to reform in French economy, most notably with the labor situation.

I stayed up late last night watching the live broadcasts of the election aftermath. France has some interesting traditions: the winning candiate rides down Champs Elysees and addresses the nation from Place de la Concorde (the famous site of Louis XVI and Marie Antionette's beheadings). Although there will be an official ceremony on May 16, Sarkozy is President immediately; there is no lame-duck waiting period before he takes office.