Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Also in 2008, the unions went out on the streets to protest
his pension reforms, but Sarkozy waited them out, and
public opinion went with him. The reforms passed and in the
process he appeared to have strengthened his UMP party. But
in September 2010, his insistence on raising retirement age
from 60 to 62 brought two million people to the streets. (The
French love to express their opinions before an audience.)
On 22 April 2012, a presidential election was held. The
incumbent president Nicolas Sarkozy ran for a second term
which under the constitution, would be his fi nal term if
elected.
After voting for the fi rst round was completed, Nicolas
Sarkozy and François Hollande were selected from the ten
candidates to take part in a second round of voting as neither
of them received a majority of votes in the fi rst round. In the
end, Hollande won the runoff with a slim majority, polling
51.63% as compared to Sarkozy's 48.37%.
See Fast Facts at the back of this topic for a list of the
political party coallitions.
Always Expect a Gréve (Strike)
Taking to the streets in organized demonstrations is the national
past time of the French. They love to express their political opinions,
individually and in groups, and their countrymen have superhuman
patience with the resulting inconveniences.
As Paris is the hub of the country, it is naturally the most
effective place to choke the streets with your message. So expect
transport workers suddenly stopping all trains, farmers blocking
highways with their tractors, or parents and students clogging the
streets for education reform. Roller bladers take the streets back
every Friday evening (see below). Pay attention for warnings in
advance that morning or the night before, on the news media, or
from your neighborhood butcher. If it involves transportation, you
will hear it in the Metro. The word spreads fast, but you are stuck.
So, go to a café and enjoy your luck!
Search WWH ::
Custom Search