The French Election

The right candidate Nicholas Sarkozy, won the French national election in France today. I am happy he did.

France's problems are typical of the problems plaguing many European countries. Stagnating economies, slow growth, even less innovation and investment, a large unassimilated immigrant population, and a crumbling, expensive social welfare state. In Frace the social contract was a peculiar one indeed: the people, dissapointed, voted the same people over and over. . .and over. The tacit understanding was that the elected politicians would not improve the economic conditions in the country, but at the same time they would not touch the social welfare provisions. It is clearly an unsustainable bargain.

This is why Sarkozy's victory is important. He is an unusual politician. He is a protectionist in industrial matters. He is a liberal in employment. He is against the 35 hour week, which was one of the culprits of France's slow growth, and talks about tax cuts. At the same time he advocates increases in pensions of the order of 30%. He has been silent on sensitive issues such as immigration and integration of second generation immigrants to win votes from the far right. He has at the same time talked about an inclusive French national identity. This victory is important, because it indicates that French voters, in want of change, were ready to support an unsual candidate. And supported him they did.

If Mr. Sarkozy's is able to push his programs through despite the opposition they might spur, and if they are ultimately successful, they may set a new example for Europe.