Following Lauras article a new problem has come to light in the French political spectrum. The French Socialists have come into grave conflict with one another. They seem to be lacking any form of direction and more importantly have no unifying factor with which to defeat President Sarkozy. This comes afer this weekends Socialist congress where no clear President of the Party has been elected.
Segolene Royale faces mounting pressure from Martine Aubry who believes in the old values of the French Socialists. Before they can even begin thinking about fighting Sarkozy they will have to stop fighting each other.
Sarko's reforms at home are unchallenged and his international persona is a force to be reckoned with abroad. Should The Socialists throw in the towel nice and early before they are completely humiliated by Sarko?
A.B.P
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3 comments:
It's a shame that the Socialist Party cannot get their act together right now. From what I've heard from some of my French friends they seem pretty content with his policies especially getting rid of the 35 hour work week. I don't think it's such a good idea of isolating Royal etc. I don't know who could possibly be a "contender" against Sarkozy in the Socialist Party honestly =/
-Laura K.
It's worse than a rift, unfortunately. Not only are there differences of opinion, there are differences of ideology, of keeping the Mitterand era social benefits like the 35-hour work week, vs moving to the center on many economic questions. And, there appears to be a battle of ambition, as Segolene Royal does everything she can to resist defeat. Going to court to force a recount is no way to keep a national political party together. Worst thing is, only 58% of Socialist Party members bothered to vote!
If Royal really does end up losing, expect to see a new political party, or, less probable, a move on her part to join forces with Bayrou.
Or do you beg to differ?
M.A.
Sounds like there's an awful lot of splitting going on. I, however, do not think that it is time for the socialists to throw in the towel. Them will eventually get their act together. No party can possibly be selfish enough to eliminate itself when it has held such a prestigious post. Right? Look how the democrats pulled themselves together in the U.S. :) Hillary is even going to be a part of the Administration. Maybe the French should work out a similiar deal.
John
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