POLITICS

A magazine programme on French political and social questions with prestigious guests from the French government, the political parties or the media. Thursdays at 04.10 PM.

French Presidential Race: the German Candidate
POLITICS

French Presidential Race: the German Candidate

The "Franco-German couple" is taking on a new political role. Nicolas Sarkozy and Angela Merkel, as two conservative leaders, are joining hands not only to salvage the euro but also to boost Sarkozy's re-election bid. Is the German strategy a good one for Nicolas Sarkozy? And is Angela Merkel taking too many risks, given that Socialist François Hollande might end up being president instead?
French presidential election: Bye-bye Mr President?
POLITICS

French presidential election: Bye-bye Mr President?

Is it all over for Nicolas Sarkozy? His rivals are almost certain he is living his last weeks in the Elysée palace. Even some of his fellow conservatives have serious doubts. Only the president is convinced he can be like Bill Clinton - the comeback kid. So does he still have a chance of being re-elected?
Presidential Election: François Hollande makes his move
POLITICS

Presidential Election: François Hollande makes his move

After a successful keynote speech last Sunday, Socialist leader François Hollande unveiled his platform today. So is he on his way to the Elysée? In any case, incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy is struggling in the polls, is faced with record unemployment and has even started musing about losing the election...
Jobs summit: Sarkozy's last hurrah?
POLITICS

Jobs summit: Sarkozy's last hurrah?

It was the fifth and now probably the last time the French unions were invited by President Nicolas Sarkozy to a so-called "crisis summit", instead of a social summit. The result was some small decisions and some big disagreements, against the backdrop of presidential elections less than 100 days away.
Presidential race - back to basics: jobs, jobs, jobs
POLITICS

Presidential race - back to basics: jobs, jobs, jobs

After the war in Libya and the eurozone debt crisis, France's attention is finally turning back to bread and butter issues as the presidential campaign begins for real. The social issues, first and foremost unemployment, are back at the forefront.
Arms deal scandal: Sarkozy in the line of fire
POLITICS

Arms deal scandal: Sarkozy in the line of fire

The "Karachigate" scandal has been a nuisance for Sarkozy. It is likely to remain so during the presidential campaign.
Presidential election: centrist threats for Sarkozy
POLITICS

Presidential election: centrist threats for Sarkozy

For weeks, it was assumed that impetuous former PM Dominique de Villepin had finally reconciled with his Gaullist rival, President Nicolas Sarkozy. But on Sunday, the unpredictable poetry lover and Napoleon fan took everyone by surprise by announcing he would run for president himself.
France and Germany, marriage or divorce?
POLITICS

France and Germany, marriage or divorce?

Will the European crisis revive old demons? The core of the European Union, the Franco-German couple, is officially working hand in hand to salvage the euro and refound the union. Nicolas Sarkozy and Angela Merkel basically spent the week together - Monday in Paris, Wednesday in Marseille, and Thursday and Friday in Brussels. But some here in French resent the perceived alignment with Germany as a loss of sovereignty and identity.
Presidential election: will Europe be the deciding factor?
POLITICS

Presidential election: will Europe be the deciding factor?

Will Europe be a central question for French voters when they cast their ballots next spring for the presidential and parliamentary elections? If you look at the past, the answer is no. Europe is small fry compared to jobs, education or crime. But as the economic crisis continues to batter the continent, the fate of the euro, the role of the European Central Bank and the future of federalism are taking centre stage. So how might this play out in the campaign?
(1) comment
Greece, Italy, Spain: is Sarkozy the next to fall?
POLITICS

Greece, Italy, Spain: is Sarkozy the next to fall?

The economic crisis has created a new political rule: out go the incumbents! Last Sunday, the Socialists in Spain were the last ruling party to be swept out of power. The debt crisis and austerity packages are bringing down one government after the other, from the north to the south, from the left to the right. Does this mean Nicolas Sarkozy's re-election bid next spring is doomed?
(1) comment
Marine Le Pen: the new face of the far-right
POLITICS

Marine Le Pen: the new face of the far-right

This Saturday, far-right leader Marine Le Pen will officially launch her presidential campaign. While her stated aim is to win next spring's election, her hope is to replicate her father's performance in 2002, when he beat all predictions and reached the run-off. To do so, his daughter has worked hard to transform the National Front into a "normal" party. So who is Marine Le Pen? Is there truly a "new" National Front?
Presidential election: blood, sweat and tears
POLITICS

Presidential election: blood, sweat and tears

An election campaign with no promises - this is how it looks for France. The ruling conservatives are touting the need to be courageous and face the truth. The opposition socialists are also vowing to cut the debt and the deficit as everyone watches with anxiety the dominoes fall across Europe: Greece, Italy and maybe soon France. So who will be the best at selling pain?
Presidential election: Sarkozy gambles on the economy
POLITICS

Presidential election: Sarkozy gambles on the economy

He has not said so yet but there is little doubt that President Nicolas Sarkozy has already begun his electoral campaign. He wants to present himself as the protector of the French in these uncertain economic times. Will the gamble pay off or come back to haunt him?
(1) comment
Eurozone: a political crisis
POLITICS

Eurozone: a political crisis

All eyes were on Brussels where an emergency eurozone summit was convened on Wednesday night to try to find a durable solution to the crisis raging across the continent. A crisis that is not only financial but clearly political as well.
2012 election: a Socialist for President?
POLITICS

2012 election: a Socialist for President?

Last Sunday, some 2.8 million voters chose François Hollande to be the Socialist presidential candidate with 56.5% of the vote. A clear victory that propels him towards the presidential poll in six months, and towards a potential face-off with incumbent conservative president Nicolas Sarkozy. Two very different kinds of animals...
Close