I think if there are riots it will entrench him and the French people further against immigrants. It would be the worst thing that could happen to the immigrants. The French have stood up where Spain and Italy chose not to. It really amazes me that this happened.

For once I was actually interested in this French election, as I don't like to see our neighbours go down the pan, as France is these days. Sarkozy was my favourite, ahead of that horrible woman Royal, who would have condemned France to economic stagnation and probably pull the rest of the EU down with her.

Originally posted by stumason
For once I was actually interested in this French election, as I don't like to see our neighbours go down the pan, as France is these days. Sarkozy was my favourite, ahead of that horrible woman Royal, who would have condemned France to economic stagnation and probably pull the rest of the EU down with her.

From my understanding she wanted the UK to either decide to be with the US or EU but not both. I was thinking if that happened then Canada, the UK, and the US could of formed their own Atlantic Union.

Originally posted by MikeboydUS

From my understanding she wanted the UK to either decide to be with the US or EU but not both. I was thinking if that happened then Canada, the UK, and the US could of formed their own Atlantic Union.

And why did she say that? Because she believes, that despite evidence to the contrary, that France should run the EU, their way is better (despite their country falling apart) and the Uk was a threat. She knew that the Uk would never choose so she wanted to sideline us.

Sarkozy is much like Blair was 10 years ago. Forward looking, realising change is needed and is not so "France is better than you" to everyone else.

the French love their social model and granted, their transport and health are excellent. But it comes at a price, something they have ignored for far too long and it is hurting them badly.

I read a report from the BBC correspondent in France and it was shocking. She wrote that at lunch, she went into 4 different cafe's and restuarants to be told that they were shutting for lunch!

Shutting for lunch!!! How do they expect to do business?

In the end, she had to go to the next town, where the only Restuarant for 10 miles was open and everyone was in there. She stayed an hour, ate her lunch and left, with the French wandering why she was in a rush!

I am not surprised there economy is so stagnant if that is common practice over there.....

To adopt the British model of social democracy, or something similar, would benefit France and I believe Sarkozy is the man to do it.

Originally posted by MikeboydUS
I think if there are riots it will entrench him and the French people further against immigrants. It would be the worst thing that could happen to the immigrants. The French have stood up where Spain and Italy chose not to. It really amazes me that this happened.

That to me was just a ploy to make people think there were going to be riots. Kind o like a cheap trick it was last ditch effort to win, she knew she was tailing that is all she had and it failed which is good. I like what little I have read and he sounds nice but only time will tell if he is indeed what he claims.

Well, I'm a brit living in France and have to wonder what is on this new horizon!

I agree, this place needs a shake up to break the 35 hour working week which is a ridiculous concept and leaves many a visitor hungry at lunchtimes with shops and places to eat closed and running out of petrol just when you need it. Stupid really. I have been here long enough now to know how to plan ahead. This is supposed to encourage the economic growth needed, but not everyone is going to be happy. Artisans and skilled tradesmen charge the earth and the demand for their work is amazing. Do they need the money? Not really. Do they want to work longer hours? Doubt it.

Good news about cutting down on new civil servants. French bureacracy and the red tape that goes with it promotes "paper pushing" to keep one another employed. The health system is excellent but needs to cut spending and make it more affordable for people and employers.

Not sure how the immigrants are going to fare though, and I suppose I'm one of them! The idea of compulsory reading, speaking and writing French for non-nationals will get interesting and the following days/weeks will see riots I'm sure involving some of the minorities who are already cheesed off.

Still think there will be some nasty surprises to come in the shape of U.S. relations and partnerships. Hope Sarkozky remembers this country feels very strongly about it's culture and history and people won't let him mess too much with that and their way of life which has kept France strong despite its economical problems.

I will certainly fight to preserve what I have come to love over here and would hate to feel let down oppressed or alienated.

So "vive la France" or "vive la revolution"............we'll see.