While walking along the ramparts in Montreuil-sur-mer on Thursday, David and I spotted these workmen using high-powered hoses to remove all traces of presidential election posters from metal signs (click photo to view detail).
With one week to go until the second round of voting, the race is becoming remarkable more for issues that are not discussed openly than those that are. In an elaborately-staged rally Sunday in Paris, Sarkzoy tried to distance himself from government policies which he has long supported. The rally was attended largely by the French elite - including General DeGaulle's son, the French rocker Johnny Hallyday - who claims Switzerland as his residence, due to high taxes in France - and the actor Jean Reno, along with the sort of crowd found at Bush rallies - pre-selected and agreeable. Sarkozy also criticised the Chirac government of which he is now a part.
In contrast, Segolene Royal spent her Sunday touring French health care facilities, picking up the endorsement of the emergency medicine director who blew the whistle about deplorable conditions in French hospitals during the heatwave of August 2003, in which 11,000 people died.
The limits of French press freedom are being tested, as big stories - particularly vis a vis the state of presidential frontrunner Nicolas Sarkozy's marriage - go unreported. French journalists are not allowed to comment on personal lives of politicians.
I've been dying to get your take on the French elections. I found myself watching the first round results on CNN and I was struck (not shocked tho) at how slanted CNN's reporting was towards the conservative candidate. IMO, anyway.
Posted by: kim (via Pearl) | 01 May 2007 at 07:59
How fascinating to see some of the differences - and similarities - between the politics/politicians in France and the U.S. I think we could use a little less gossip about personal lives in election coverage here.
It will be interesting to see how it all plays out. Thanks for keeping us up-to-date.
Posted by: tinker | 30 April 2007 at 21:33
My daughter rang yesterday and said she had been to the market in Paris and everyone was shouting about the election and having heated arguments. I find this refreshing as in the UK it's hardly mentioned as the public is too busy celebrity watching or gossiping about the personal lives of the politicians.
I think it's great that the French press are not allowed to write about politicians personal lives, a General Election is too serious an issue.
We go through politicians at a great rate of knots here and they are doing nothing that their predeccesors did not do it's just that the press tell us all about it. We have no consistency they are in and out like fiddlers elbows.
Posted by: Di Overton | 30 April 2007 at 20:08
Hey Tara!
I LOVE it! Who needs soap operas when one can watch politics. who said, The difference between fiction and non-fiction? Fiction has to make sense.... :)
Ok....I know a lot is at stake here....the media blackout is VERY interesting.... am wondering when this "rule" went into place and who put it in place? Most likely one of the many leaders in France who have always lived with both a wife and family and a mistress. I recall watching the funeral of D'Estaing (did I spell that right?) I think. His wife and mistress were sitting in the front pew. :)
Interesting link articles.....
Tara responds:
Thank you, Dana! You're thinking of Francois Mitterand's funeral, when his mistress and their daughter were present. The French press refer to it as the "Mazarelle factor," which means they can't discuss politicians' private life publicly - even though everyone knows and gossips about their private life and their foibles are often reported in the foreign press.
Posted by: awareness | 30 April 2007 at 19:11
We had dinner with French friends this past weekend and it was very interesting to hear their views on the upcoming elections.
Posted by: kristen | 30 April 2007 at 17:52
It's not fair, especially Mr. Sarkozy using his connections to manipulate the press.
Tara responds:
Meredith, I agree with you. Alas, Monsieur Sarkozy is known for his ruthlessness - rather than fairness - when it comes to getting his way.
Posted by: meredith | 30 April 2007 at 09:46
Interesting. I've been reading about the election in the New York Times.
Posted by: my backyard | 30 April 2007 at 03:29
It is nice to know, that the news we receive isn't the only slanted news in the world. Of course, we knew that! Right!
Posted by: Mary | 30 April 2007 at 02:50
I can't believe this is kept out of the papers. I think I like it ;) They are a tad odd. lol HUGS
Posted by: Tammy | 30 April 2007 at 00:02
How great would that be here...no talking about candidates personal lives...what the heck would the press talk about....one can only imagine...
Posted by: MyMelange | 29 April 2007 at 23:06
Fascinating!
What an intriguing look into France's election and press freedoms. I'm surprised about the restrictions regarding candidate privacy, especially given the coverage of celebrities and other public figures.
Thank you!
-- f
Posted by: footpad | 29 April 2007 at 22:57
The US media would have a frenzy with both these candidates! JP
Posted by: JanePoe (aka Deborah) | 29 April 2007 at 20:42