Jump to content
Complete France Forum

Incentives to Vote


Recommended Posts

I know that it's a bit out of fashion to be "fluffy" in the current climate,   but just occasionally one has a pleasant reminder as to why one bought a house in France in the first place:

We always pop down to our Mairie on Election Days - I don't think we've missed a single one since 2002,  assuming we've been in the country.   We can't vote,  we're not resident here,   we vote by post in Britain.     However,   we enjoy seeing the electoral process in action,  and we enjoy teasing the Mayor that we've come down to check that the British tradition of "fair play" is being scrupulously observed by the French!

I hasten to add that it's a very small commune,   so one can enjoy a little pleasantry with people one knows fairly well.    In passing I might add that the current difficulties over the "notes des frais des deputés britanniques" has somewhat undermined my ability to pass any sort of comment on British fair play,  but it still raised a smile.

However,  returning to the purpose of this post,   we were -  along with anyone else -  offered refreshment after the arduous task of voting (or not voting in our case).   And that's what I love about France,   recession or no recession,  Election Day is an excuse for a discrete drinky.

Now why oh why don't they try that in Britain?

Having said all that,  perhaps our commune is exceptional,   or perhaps France is really losing its taste for wine,   'cos the Taux d'abstention is truly shameful,   6 in 10 people didn't bother to vote this time.

If we can go along just for the pleasure of not voting,  why on earth can't they?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Blimey I've just seen the French projected result.

The Socialists have only scraped 1.5 % points more than the Greens.    If this result is correct I  have thought that it's very very bad for the left.

We have a number of French friends who *hate* Sarkozy,  always have done,   bang on about it day and night,  tell me he's finished etc etc.

I think they'll be crying in their porridge tomorrow morning if that result is confirmed.

Mind you,  UMP only gets 28% but that's 12  % points in front of PS.

I am astonished frankly.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  Good lord you cant have people in the UK being given drinks at the polling stations ....Imagine the outcry and the accusations   " He only won because he got my support  p.i.s.s.e.d  "  And who would you vote for the cask bitter provider party or the cheap skates who only put on a keg of light ale ?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote user="Owens88"]

[quote user="Frederick"]
 And who would you vote for the cask bitter provider party or the cheap skates who only put on a keg of light ale ?
[/quote]

 

Values matter more than words !

 

 

[/quote]

But not more than deeds?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

×
×
  • Create New...