Posted on 04/08/2007 5:46:14 PM PDT by blam
Threat to Sarkozy as suburbs prepare to vote
By Henry Samuel in Mantes-La-Jolie
Last Updated: 1:11am BST 09/04/2007
Election fever is gripping the Val-Fourre housing estate in Mantes-la-Jolie, west of Paris, often listed as one of the most violent in France.
Like many of the country's most troubled suburbs, locals here, who in the past might have failed to vote out of a sense of marginalisation, have been registering to vote in this month's presidential elections in record numbers.
Since the banlieues - suburbs - exploded into riots in autumn 2005 over the death of two teenagers of immigrant origin chased by police, they have been at the heart of French political debate. Many feel the "ethnic suburban vote" could yet swing the election result.
Four polls published over the weekend showed that the Socialist candidate Ségolène Royal had lost yet more ground to the Right-wing frontrunner Nicolas Sarkozy. One on Sunday gave her just 22 per cent in the first round - her lowest score in six months - with Mr Sarkozy gaining two points in a week, on 29.5 per cent.
The centrist UDF candidate François Bayrou remained in third on 19 per cent, with the far-Right Front National leader, Jean-Marie Le Pen, stable on around 14 per cent.
Yet Mr Sarkozy stands to lose the most if the voters of the banlieue turn out in force. The interior minister at the time of the riots, he was criticised for describing the rioting youths as "scum" and taking a hardline approach to policing the areas.
"I will vote for Ségolène to block Sarkozy and because she represents a certain idea of how I see France," said Mr Belhadaoi, 29, a bank security guard of Moroccan origin.
He said Mr Sarkozy had worsened relations between local residents and the police with his repressive measures. "As soon as I take off my suit and tie, I get stopped for identity checks. It's humiliating.
"Everyone works in my family. I have no criminal record. But Mr Sarkozy doesn't refer to people like me. We have to prove that we are good people, it is not presumed."
Mr Sarkozy does have some supporters. Cedric Poirier, who works alongside Mr Belhadaoi, said Mr Sarkozy was right to focus on identity and values and a stronger work ethic.
"When one integrates on a working level, one integrates socially. We live in a culture where profit is a dirty word." Others argued that the French welfare system was too generous and not geared to finding work.
Bernard Kossoko, the co-president of the community radio station Radio Droit de Cité, said: "People expect too much from the state. They are too choosy about jobs. I'm for three strikes and you're out. Perhaps we need Sarkozy for one non-renewable mandate."
The radio's programme director, Saïd Ait-Atman, 31, said there was a lot of interest in Mr Bayrou but that he was unimpressed by Miss Royal. "The Socialists are the first to speak out, but they don't follow through with actions," he said. "People will vote for her here, but only as a tactical vote.
"If Sarkozy is elected there will most likely be trouble in the streets. He spouts on about integration but the vast majority of people here feel integrated and French. Their main concern is just getting a job."
Mr Sarkozy, who is backed by the ruling UMP, has been accused of fishing for far-Right votes by pledging to create a ministry of immigration and national identity.
He is the only leading contender not to have made a campaign visit to the banlieue, for fear of sparking unrest. Even Mr Le Pen has done more, making a surprise trip last Friday to Argenteuil, a suburb where, he mocked, "even our former interior minister does not dare go".
Polls yesterday showed that 42 per cent of voters remain undecided.
I stand corrected, thank you.
In particular, Clinton sent his campaign warroom honchos to UK (elected Blair,1997), and Israel (elected Ehud Barak,1999) to teach them how it's done. I don't think the Toon needed to teach the frogs how to elect socialists.
yitbos
“Which Chirac has done, and is now backing Bayrou”
Chirac is most certainly not backing Bayrou. He has come out in support of Sarko. Bernadette Chirac has appeared prominently with Sarko at huge rallies. She is a popular figure in France, and as First Lady, represents her husband.
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