From: Ad 

George Sherwood wrote:
> Phil Payne wrote:
>>> For France, its the socialist policies that give them their problems.
>> France has a history of electing conservative presidents - this is actually
>> the third in a row.  Expecting a radical shift in policies is a little
>> far-fetched.
>>
>> Within Europe, he's the most outspoken critic there is of the USA's
>> head-in-the-sand attitude to pollution and global warming.  He's fiercely
>> anti-Iraq and anti-oil lobby.
>>
>
> Interesting that Der Spiegel doesn't take this as business as usual as you.
>
> George
>
> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,481349,00.html
>
> Perhaps it wasn't exactly a landslide, but it was certainly an
> unambiguous result: France's 44 million voters have chosen Nicolas
> Sarkozy, the strong man of the governing UMP, with a resounding majority
> and a record turnout. They have chosen his vision of a radical
> revitalization of the Republic and a return to the nation's patriotic
> foundations. Sarkozy's convincing win is the triumph of political
> individualism over the rival worldview of the Socialist candidate
> S‚g•lene Royal and her vision of a "participatory democracy" -- which
> too often got lost in vague affirmations.
>
> What's clear about Sunday's vote is that it marks a turning point for
> France. After the gray era of 12 years of "Chiraquie," the citizens of
> France have backed the candidate who spoke of change and even a
"break"
> with established tradition. With an eye to chronic unemployment,
> spiraling state debt, globalization and the disappearance of entire
> industry sectors to lower-wage countries, the French have put their
> money on a politician who has always vowed to radically and swiftly
> liquidate France's historic mortgage -- the civil servant apparatus, the
> privileges of teachers and social workers, the influence of the unions.


&? He sees himself as France's Thatcher. Good news & about time too.
Hopefully he'll not shrink from moving the barricades.

However the whole election was about "the economy stupid" with
hardly a mention of any foreign affairs (they briefly touched upon Turkey).

Oh & in terms of that, I believe it would be good for your area of
concern if Turkey joined the EU, lost it's propensity for mil coups etc
&......I believe your el presidente has been pressing the Turkish case
for membership....

So in that regard Sarkozy is very bad news & very anti-Bush/America as
he has said a flat non to the turks joining the EU.

Adam

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