As a thought we seem to have loads about politics in the UK but very little about what is happening in France and the direction she is going in. Given this is SF maybe we could get some input? Particularly from French members?
Seems as if the UK gets a real bashing but we don’t see it as a bed of roses here in France either, albeit much better.
Would be really pleased if this does not descend into a left v right bitter war of words. Just sensible moderate viewpoints on how it is going here. No need to quote left or right media articles just an ordinary normal persons perspective
Unfortunately due to the UK and their fault over brexit and the shambles, I have no input in french affairs, can only watch from the sidelines and make sure I don’t get caught up in anything that can jeopardise my residency here. I watch the main TF1 news religiously every evening and sometimes at 13h and keep abreast of french goings-on, much of which disgusts me with all these shootings, drug gang wars and the corruption coming to light of previous high office holders. I have to say I prefer the french way of doing things as against the UK systems especially the health and pension systems of which concerns me personally and which seem far more fair and controlled as does the social security but there are those who, like their british counterparts know how to scam and fleece their way through life regardless. French law is far more stringent and penalties make the UK justice system look like a holiday camp and processes happen very fast here too but with an element of annonimity and secrecy especially in the press until the verdicts are given. I have been away far too many years now but I do get info direct from family who are not best pleased with the way the UK is going currently and how it is affecting them. I have to be pro-France otherwise I would not like living here but I would love more say in things as we had previously when I was an elected councillor but no longer.
You make a good point about all the regular criticism of UK politics here in SF. Having lived in the UK for 50 years before moving to France, I still feel fairly familiar with British central and local government, political parties, politicians, public utilities, national bodies, charities, the country’s demographics… although things change all the time of course, and for the worse.
I would say that, since Brexit, it is difficult to avoid criticism of the UK !
I am very pleased to be here rather than there. But I personally feel that I know absolutely nowhere near as much about French politics, politicians, institutions, demographics, social issues, etc. I am learning, but would certainly hesitate to launch into criticism.
I almost responded to the other thread but thought, maybe not. I have mused in the past that I think people have chosen to live in France, and that may affect their mindset. If you are born and brought up in a particular country then you have had no choice in that. If you move elsewhere then, in that case, you want your chosen country to be somewhere agreeable. I never criticised France when I lived there as it felt dishonourable.
The UK, where I live, is a mess. But we recently stayed with French friends who were very pessimistic about their country. The truth is there is good and bad in both countries. I hope for an improvement in mine, but given the nature of contemporary politics, I don’t expect much.
You’re right Billy. Since we obtained French nationality we have taken a lot more interest in politics and what is happening in France. We feel very grateful to be here and much more integrated than before, but we still have a lot to learn.
With respect Billy, I’d want a say in who governs the country, being able to vote for the Maire or local MEP is pretty much the same thing as having no voice.
Can’t agree with you on this… but no wish to fall out
When in UK (albeit a long time ago) and when in France (until Brexit) … being able to vote for someone local, who is well known to residents and with whom (hopefully) one is on the same wavelength… that’s marvellous.
Maires do have certain strengths… some do more to safeguard the best interests of their commune… than others…
Locally, we’ve had Maires who are/were dedicated, honest and hardworking… sadly I can no longer give my support and have to cross my fingers for the next election…
Please can we tone down the brexit thing. It’s happened. I was so hoping this wouldn’t be about that but more about where france is and where she is going
This is so dammaging. Brexit has nothing to do with this topic. It’s about France and they are still in the EU. We can still be interested in what goes on surely?
I think a number of people with opinions on france have left the forum by their own volition or were pushed. It appears over the years not a clever idea to run down the new land of milk and honey.
That’s a bit over the top Tim (one might say touching on the offensive ) Maybe people prefer to discuss French politics with French people and British politics with British people
Absolutely not true. We all have a voice in our everyday lives and we find all nationalities eho live in france willing to discuss perfectly reasonably
) Maybe people prefer to discuss French politics with French people and British politics with British people