A journal of political, social, and other important, possibly even somewhat related affairs, including but not limited to: Central European Society, The European Union, HC Kometa Brno, American Politics, Film, and Beer.

25 April 2007

Two Frances?

The official unofficial results are in, and Nicholas Sarkozy got 30%, Ségolene Royal (Woy-ah) got 26.2%, and François Bayreu received 18%. This should be fun. Pollsters say Bayreu voters are right-of-center, so that bodes well for the UMP candidate (I should correct the previous post, where I said he was RpR). It is interesting, because Sarkozy spoke about “two visions of France,” and was looking forward to a right-vs.-left debate on the issues. He also portrayed himself as a uniter, not a divider, (Heard that one before?) and appealed to the most vulnerable in society as well as the traditional middle class voters. Le Pen was disappointed with his 13%, and the campaign was careful to distance Sarkozy from these guys even tonight.

It seems that Bayreu has a chance to play kingmaker, but last night he was careful not to commit to either candidate. They all say that Bayreu’s party is a “natural home” with Sarkozy. But in either case, voters will not automatically follow his endorsement. However, if he endorses Sarkozy, the son of Hungarian immigrants will have to commit quite a faux pas to lose. If he backs Royal, it could be very interesting. Never underestimate the French left. They voted down the EU Constitutional Treaty, and shocked Europe.

And don’t harass me about using the expression “faux pas.” Laissez le bons temps rouler!

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