Today I met the President

[NormanH]

This afternoon I

shook President Hollande's hand.

I know that the mere

mention of the name will send a large number of posters here either

in to paroxysms of rage, fits of derisory laughter, or black despair,

but I am not interested in him or his record or policies in this

thread.

What has impressed

me in my time in France is how accessible politicians are and how

frequently one seems to meet them.

I am well-enough

known to my député for him to come across the room in a restaurant

and exchange a few words that show he knows who I am. I have dined

with a senateur and an ex-minister, and the Maire of the town I used

to live in was often to be seen in the cafés and the large indoor

Market.

Today's encounter

was quite amazingly low key and informal. No obvious security at all,

and the President surrounded by people of all ages (a largish

contingent of lycéens) who were pleased to see him in their small

town despite his position in the popularity polls.

Madame le Maire

introduced him to a few people but for the rest it was just a

question of who happened to be near...

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[suein56]

[quote user="NormanH"] This afternoon I

shook President Hollande's hand.

What has impressed

me in my time in France is how accessible politicians are and how

frequently one seems to meet them.

Today's encounter

was quite amazingly low key and informal. No obvious security at all ...

[/quote]

We got used to seeing Ayrault walking round the local markets before he was unceremoniously kicked out. Surprisingly on these outings there was no sign of the security the locals objected to paying for. Even though it was only his résidence sécondaire, visited occasionally, there were 16 gendarmes working in shifts providing security for the house every day of the year.

He seemed an OK person, he smiled a lot, though I didn't agree with his ideas, so am pleased he has gone; but I do sometimes wonder if the 16 gmen have since been reduced in number. They were put up in a local 3* hotel (2 to a room) with full board.

Sue

[mint]

He is, by all accounts, totally unstuffy and he seems a decent sort.

I remember how he travelled in that open-top car he had at his inauguration and was soaked to the skin.  I admired the way he stood around in his wet suit (NOT wetsuit[:)]), oblivious to his own appearance and any damage to the dignity of his person and office.

Contrary to popular derision, I think he is an intellectual and thoughtful person.  Before I get shouted down, I would add that that could be a reason he hasn't been particularly effective.  Many thinking types (as opposed to sound-byte, attention-craving sorts) are often not good leaders.  After all, they are reasonable, can see someone else's point of view and lack the blind and dangerous total self-belief that leaves no room for negotiation.

Norman, I will not mention her name but I think you'd know who I mean [;-)]