We have just had the regional elections. I must admit to being a little confused about the different layers of French government. I am an elected representative (unpaid) in the town council. Last year we voted in elections for our departmental representatives. This year it is for the region ones, then in a few years time it will be the national elections again. Not forgetting of course the European elections. So many representatives with different powers that are not always easy to understand.
Anyway these latest elections were seen as a test of popularity of the ruling central government and our President. Many people are angered by his governments economic failings, while he tries to reinvent himself as a world leader in the fight against terrorism and climate change. The vote has two rounds as the number of parties is whittled down. This time the first round saw a surge in support for the Front National (FN), France's far right. There was a sudden effervescence by the other parties and the second round saw the FN kicked back into third place. I remember the same thing some years ago during a Presidential race.
In my little village, traditionally left leaning, the FN led after the first round of voting to the shock and dismay of many. Then to a collective sigh of relief the left wing won the second round. But the worm is still there at the core of the apple. Questions need to be asked as to why people are turning away from the mainstream parties to more radical alternatives. We breath a sigh of relief again but the rot is still there growing slowly and gaining strength at each new test.
Personally as a citizen I feel ignored and forgotten by the powers that be. While as an elected town councillor I feel powerless to make any meaningful change or have the voice of my neighbours heard. I hope never to vote for the extremes but I do feel more and more compelled not to participate. However we are told this plays in to the hands of the extremes. So I am stuck between a rock and a hard place, if I vote for one of the mainstream parties nothing will change, but if I do not vote the extremists will win. I wonder how many feel as I do?
