The French elections

Michel de Vacri

I’m no Macron fan. He has no political experience, formed his own party En Marche, and therefore no affiliation, no representation in the Assemblee Nationale. This was an election for the traditional right to win and surely would have done so had Fillon stood down after the his expenses scandal. The other right wing candidate the leader of France Debout (Stand up France) of Nicolas Dupont-Aignan polled 5% and had these votes gone to Fillon he would have won. Macron should certainly beat Marine Le Pen though not here and in the other Mediterranean departments where she was the leading candidate. For me he is all style and no substance.

If he wins the second round, as seems certain as more voters don’t want Marine le Pen than do, he will have to form a coalition and we will have the same right/left fudge that his candidature was supposed to eradicate. The Assemblee Nationale elections in June are going to be vital.

For the UK they can expect a tougher Brexit negotiation and for the world another example of an anti vote reaction to the old political order. Aside from his lack of experience he will not have formed any relationships with other leaders. The new kid on the block is arriving at a time when the world needs more cooperation amongst leaders which existing social contact can foster.

I am troubled for France so just as well that OGC Nice will be in the Champions League and our local rivals in the semi-finals Monaco are playing thrilling football.