Greekchatters in France??
 

Any greekchatters out there currently living in France or following French politics? (I know this applies to a very small number of you) I was wondering what your reaction was to the incredible upset defeat of Jospin by extreme right wing candidate LePen in last nights first round of elections.

Lionlove,

Although I live in England, I saw the news on the BBC this morning. I was extremely shocked by this, and I take it this was a completely unexpected result for most of France, too.

I'm very worried about the increased popularity of the extreme (and I do mean EXTREME) right, here in Europe. In England, the "National Front" party has had increased support in many areas where racial tension is running high.

What's been the general reaction where you live? I think I am STILL in shock over this. The media here haven't really offered up much in the way of an explanation, although I understand there was a low turnout of voters.

Caroline

There is alot of concern where I live. I live near Marseille and there were riots there throughout the night with firecrackers and looting. There were even bigger riots in Paris as well as riots in Lyon, Strasbourg and other big cities. While having LePen on the ballot is a very scary idea, most of the people who voted for him do not necessarily agree with his ideas, they just wanted to send a message to Chirac and Jospin that they are tired of them.

I do agree that racial tension in Europe is rising, during Passover, several synagogues were burned. Everywhere I walk, I see anti-arab graffiti. I can't imagine how much worse this could be if LePen is president.

The silver lining is that Chirac is expected to get about 75 percent of the vote in the May 5th election.