Restez a l'écoute

On May 6 the French will pick their new president. It has become a classic left-right battle. I am somewhat torn between "Sarko" v. "Ségo" myself. I think France does need some structural reform, but I don't think the French will put up with much from Sarko because he is already seen as being too "anglo." I mean look what happened to Dominique de Villepin with the contrat première embauche. In case you missed it last year, this is what happened.

With Ségolène, one risks the status quo, but I think she might be able to push some mild market-based reforms through with her general support from the left. I also don't think that France needs to become Anglo to succeed. Is the unemployment rate to high? Yes, but I don't think they need to completely dismantle their state-run programs. Their hospitals and schools are first-rate. I kind of want France to stay, at least mostly, France. But it's not up to me, now is it.

On another note, the neuf-trois is getting ready, because if Sarko is elected, the banlieus of Paris might start to burn again. Soyez sages et prudents mes amis!!

Photo from The Economist.

Pariscope

This kind of flew under the radar. Although nowhere near the size or intensity of the riots in Paris in 2005, on March 27, the gare du nord became assez chaud when a man without a ticket was contrôlé, and a full scale riot ensued. Given the disenchantment of the suburban youth, it is not surprising that this would happen at this station which connects the RER with the Metro and would be a major stop for those coming in from le neuf-trois. I'm trying to avoid the word racaille, but can't. Apparently, this riot is now becoming an issue between presidential candidates Nicolas Sarkozy and Ségolène Royal. Something needs to be done, before Le Pen capitalizes on the fear this will cause.