French election

If you are like me and have friends and family in France, you might have received some Emails telling you how much money Sarkozy, Hollande, Royal etc. are making in a year. Do not worry! It means only one thing. The presidential election is back.

Actually, if you follow the French politics in "Le Monde" or "Libération", you may have the impression it has always been on for the last five years. And this year they are fighting for our votes! Yes, the vote of French living overseas (Your Vote). In December 2010 they were 1 504 001 French people registered at French consulates (Wikipedia). So you can deduct from that the number of French living outside of France is definitely much bigger.

Having left France in the early 1980s, it is hard for me to appreciate what is really going on in France. I can, however, make an analogy with Australian politics. For example, I find Sarkozy and John Howard fairly similar in their vision and achievement: They take from the poor to give to the rich. The Left in France is also pretty identical to the Labour party here: Full of good intentions in opposition and trying to outdo their friends from the Right when in government.

Anyway, whatever your political leanings good luck for the 22nd of April and 6th of May.