Oh, A Change Could Do Them Good

With the conclusion of the high-profile debate earlier today, the race for the Presidency is entering its final stages. In France that is. What, did that one pass under your radar? Well, it shouldn't have. Indeed, all Americans interested in seeing someone, anyone, put a stop to the massive economic, cultural, and societal decline that's happening in France should take note of a man by the name of Nicolas Sarkozy. Sarkozy is one of the two candidates who made it to the final round of voting in the French Presidential election. His opponent, Segolene Royal, hails from France's well-established Socialist Party making Sarkozy, particularly by French standards, a real right-winger of a candidate.

And let me assure you that, in France, the term 'right-wing' is quite relative.

Indeed, only in France would one be branded as "a danger to the Nation" for suggesting that, with a 12% unemployment rate, it might be time to take a second look at the mandatory 35-hour work week; or, in the aftermath of the massive 'youth' riots a couple years back, that tightening up the immigration policies and enforcing "law and order" might be a good idea.

Sarkozy, of course, for all the juvenile, ad hominem attacks he has endured at the hands of his opponents, is not, in any way, a "danger" to France. Hell, given the abominable state of the country these days, he might be the closest thing to a savior they've seen since De Gaulle. While Royal has been running a campaign based on emotion, mudslinging, and...uh, her own ego, Sarkozy has been running a campaign based on his qualifications and his positions on the issues. Indeed, in France, there appears to be no real question as to who is the more qualified candidate, they've conceded that one to Sarkozy, the real question seems to be whether a legit, policy driven President will serve them better than a pandering, ideologically-scattered President who they're not as scared of.

Political competence as a secondary issue - only in France.

Sarkozy, however, has bet that a majority of French voters are, in fact, smarter than I'd give them credit for, and will choose his ability over Royal's nonsense - and so far, the polls indicate that this bet will pay off. So what exactly might a Sarkozy victory mean? Well, consider some of his campaign platforms:

- Easing the restrictions on Overtime work, partly by reducing/eliminating the taxes placed on post-35th hour wages.
- Tightening up the immigration policy and keeping better track of all the immigrants who are allowed in
- Increasing criminal sentences and reducing crime, especially violent crime
- Lowering personal taxes

Sounds reasonable, no? To my, admittedly, outsider's eyes, the consequences of a Sarkozy victory would be a re-introduction of common sense into French Politics. Moreover, it would seem to indicate the beginning of a period of liberalization (in the historical, Jeffersonian sense of the word) in economic policy. In short, a Sarkozy victory might be a forbearer of change in French politics. That can only be a good thing.

I suppose we'll see on May 6th, when the 2nd vote takes place, whether or not the French agree with my assesment, and if they are willing to change and start down what could be a very long road to recovery. On the Campaign trail, Mr. Sarkozy has said that "the French are not afraid of change. They're waiting for it." Indeed, let's hope so - and let's hope that Sarkozy, if elected, actually delivers on the promise of change; because no 1st-World-Country needs change more than France.