May 17 - And Then A Step To The Right

France, the only country in the world to have a martial art specializing in running away (it seems like a joke, but it's true), last week turned it's political direction around for the first time 40 years when it's people elected Nicolas Sarkozy their president. Further cementing the move to the right, Sarkozy, just yesterday, named François Fillon prime minister.

Sarkozy is about as right wing as one gets in France and Fillon is about the same, but both of them would nevertheless look somewhat liberal if included in the set of Democratic U.S. presidential hopefuls.

That said, Sarkozy ran on two philosophies. One was that France is a long time friend and ally of the U.S. and should start acting like it. Not that they would dive into Iraq or anything, but that they should not be openly antagonistic. I think it not inconsequential that this comes on the heals of Frances internal unrest last summer. The second is that the people need to work in order for the country to be successful. Sarkozy has been an open critic of the enforced limited work-week.

Sarkozy, as the person responsible for French foreign policy, is bringing a very new approach. Since the ascendancy of Charles De Gaulle, France has haughtily stood alone as what it believed to be the premier political entity, taking the position that other countries could follow France. Sarkozy believes that France should operate more cooperatively with it's neighbors and allies and that cooperation should extend beyond continental Europe. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.

After Sarkozy's election it was perhaps even more interesting to see who would become PM. The French PM is responsible for domestic issues. It will be Fillon that sets the agenda for repairing France's ailing economy and re-energizing its workforce.

He and Sarkozy were blunt and open with their platform when campaigning. They won against a far left Socialist who was equally open. Over 80% of the eligible populace came out to vote and it went soundly for Sarkozy. That is perhaps one of the most heartening things to hear. When the people of a democratic nation for once, not vote themselves bread and circuses, you have to feel some pride.