I hope that even if the U.S. election and Britain leaving E.U. hadn’t happened the way it did, people in France would’ve realized that extremism and division for the country are not the way to go. I realize that Macron is not the best choice for the country because of his lack of experience but still he is someone who can keep the country together without alienating from other cultures.
1
Another thing is that people don’t trust the establishment anymore, it happened in U.S. with Donald Trump (not establishment) and Hillary Clinton (in the establishment) If the Democrats had chosen Bernie Sanders (not establishment) as the candidate, in my opinion, it would have been entirely different story. In the case of France, both candidates were outsiders, so it was the case of which one of these two candidates represent the people's view better rather than focusing on the question who will the next president serve? But one thing is clear; people don’t like the establishment if the right people are not there to represent them it might ruin the whole country.
1
I find it interesting that Liberals take heart that the French elected a corrupt financier.
1
Apparently, France doesn't have enough ' No Go ' zones, torched cars, terrorist attacks, and blocked streets to move them to elect someone who wants to do something to do about these problems....
3
Hold it..."nearly 34 percent of eligible voters did not cast a ballot or cast a blank or null one". So, Macron got 66% of 66% or 44%, not a majority of popular vote so how is this a mandate? It means that La Pens's 34% plus 34% not voting or 68% voted against Macron.
1
Wow So you think he only got 44% and 68% voted against him? That is 112% Maybe all those extra votes are the same illegal aliens that voted for Hillary to give her the popular vote.
Your mistake is to count the nonvoters against macron but not La Pen. However in any election a lot of people do not vote foe a variety of reasons regardless of who runs. So counting all the nonvoters against Macron is extreme. The fact is he beat ger 2 to 1 and over here that would be a really strong showing
Your mistake is to count the nonvoters against macron but not La Pen. However in any election a lot of people do not vote foe a variety of reasons regardless of who runs. So counting all the nonvoters against Macron is extreme. The fact is he beat ger 2 to 1 and over here that would be a really strong showing
2
I think Micron's victory was a choice between the least odious of the two candidates; a vote against Le Pen. I wonder if France is somewhat in the same bind as the U.S. Two businessmen with no political experience. Both pro-business. I choose to believe that Le Pen can't be as ignorant as Donald.
I do not like Macron. I do not like any of the things he stands for : cutting rights for workers, going just further with Europe being nothing else than a big market where profits are the only goal.
He does not give a dam about ecology, did not even talk about it.
It took me a whole week to decide : will I vote or no ? I finally decided to vote.
But as so many people, I did not vote for him: I voted against her.
Because I do not forget history, where she comes from, who she keeps contact with.
And because I dislike totally patriotism, and do not believe in any kind of cultural issue, not even to explain terrorism.
The issue is not cultural , it is economical. The gap between "poor" an "rich" keeps on increasing in a way that is becoming just unhuman. In every country, as in the whole world.
And I do not believe a second Macron will do anything about it. He will just keep on with what is done all over the world since the fourties, and one day, she will win.
He does not give a dam about ecology, did not even talk about it.
It took me a whole week to decide : will I vote or no ? I finally decided to vote.
But as so many people, I did not vote for him: I voted against her.
Because I do not forget history, where she comes from, who she keeps contact with.
And because I dislike totally patriotism, and do not believe in any kind of cultural issue, not even to explain terrorism.
The issue is not cultural , it is economical. The gap between "poor" an "rich" keeps on increasing in a way that is becoming just unhuman. In every country, as in the whole world.
And I do not believe a second Macron will do anything about it. He will just keep on with what is done all over the world since the fourties, and one day, she will win.
8
Hear, hear.
I am sorry you didn't have a candidate to vote for who was more in tune with your views. At least the people of France elected the lesser of the two evils.
1
Good thing France doesn't have an Electoral College.
Conversely, if the US could remove that useless appendix, perhaps our popular vote winners would stand a chance of victory.
And our body politic would be less toxic.
Conversely, if the US could remove that useless appendix, perhaps our popular vote winners would stand a chance of victory.
And our body politic would be less toxic.
2
2 of the last 3 Presidents have gotten to the White House after getting a minority of the popular vote. The electoral college is not a useless appendix, it is a malignant cancer devouring our right to choose a President by popular mandate.
2
I am a bit perplexed by the adulation for Macron. His open borders and let's all be friends Euro Union stance might be great for his former investment buddies the same as eight years of quote unquote Free Trade was for Wall Street here in the US but these policies are the ones that have allowed a flood of cheap immigrant labor into France. When these are unemployed many revert to unrest and violence. Let's blow things up or run over people mentality.
And the idea that they will save themselves by looking to 'Eco Business' to pull them out of an economic mess is laughable.
What any economy needs is first the ability to manufacture everything they need. France cannot rely mainly on exporting wine and tourism. They need people who make and build things.
And the idea that they will save themselves by looking to 'Eco Business' to pull them out of an economic mess is laughable.
What any economy needs is first the ability to manufacture everything they need. France cannot rely mainly on exporting wine and tourism. They need people who make and build things.
2
Centrist? Yea right......not for long. Once the invasion hits the tipping point, it is all over for France.
1
Thank goodness! The world needs moderate leaders that can foster our common good, not bigoted extremists. Hopefully our own democracy will rebalance in 2018 and beyond.
Well, were it not for the stupid election system that we have here, in the US, the corrupt billionaire wouldn't have been elected.
THANK GOD!!!!
There is hope against fascism!
There is hope against fascism!
SO glad the French did not succumb to the dangerous seduction of insular nationalism! They have been wiser than the British and Americans, and I hope they become a beacon of light to those who have let fear and anger cloud their good sense.
Vive la France!!
Vive la France!!
A big sigh of relief, for sure, but the new presidency had better do something dramatic to pull France out of its decades-long economic doldrums. A 26%-plus youth unemployment rate is politically unsustainable for much longer. Without the restitution of opportunity for France's young, the ascendancy of right-wing nationalist rule will only be delayed; certainly not foreclosed.
The "wave" of right wing populism is continually being proven to be more like a blip. While Trump won in America, his victory can be placed squarely on the electoral college. Brexit, even, was achieved only with the aid of eurosceptics on the left as well as on the right.
Macron's win in France, an extremely well-educated country with little patience for nonsense and little love for fascism, should be no surprise.
A new center in politics is emerging, one that supports pragmatism over ideology, prosperity over power and justice over corruption. I wholeheartedly welcome it. La France En Marche!
Macron's win in France, an extremely well-educated country with little patience for nonsense and little love for fascism, should be no surprise.
A new center in politics is emerging, one that supports pragmatism over ideology, prosperity over power and justice over corruption. I wholeheartedly welcome it. La France En Marche!
So proud of you France!!!! What we and UK couldn't do, you'll have! Congratulations
2
Phew!!! Bonsoir
Glad that Macron is well ahead. Of most importance, those in Europe and America pushing for the return of Christian White Supremacy must be shown that racism and bigotry will no longer be tolerated. The politics of Hate can not be allowed to flourish.
Hatred and condemnation and ostracizing others is Not the answer for the problems facing France, Europe and America. Complex problems require thought and multiple actions not the easy fix of 'Not You'.
It is time for people to push back against hatred, division, fake news, alternative facts. It is time for America and France (and most likely Germany soon) to show Russia that their cyber bullying during elections will not work and will not be tolerated.
Hatred and condemnation and ostracizing others is Not the answer for the problems facing France, Europe and America. Complex problems require thought and multiple actions not the easy fix of 'Not You'.
It is time for people to push back against hatred, division, fake news, alternative facts. It is time for America and France (and most likely Germany soon) to show Russia that their cyber bullying during elections will not work and will not be tolerated.
The "Front National's" main presidential campaign poster was a picture of Marine Le Pen with the words "Choose France," and ironically for Ms. Le Pen that is exactly what French citizens have done by handing victory to the centrist Emmanuel Macron and rejecting the fear-mongering xenophobic and insular platform of her far right party. A decisive majority of French voters chose to look beyond personal grievances or solely self-interest and voted for the best interests of their country, Europe and the rest of the free world and we should thank them for it.
Whether the example of the untold damage to American prestige and institutions at home and abroad which our "populist president" Donald Trump continues to wreak upon us in his disastrous first months in office influenced any French voters not to consummate their risky dalliance with Ms.Le Pen and her odious henchmen is difficult to know, but if it did it will be one thing we can thank Mr. Trump for.
After Donald Trumps's predictions of a Le Pen win, I'm sure he must already be on the phone congratulating Président Macron. Vive la France!!!
Whether the example of the untold damage to American prestige and institutions at home and abroad which our "populist president" Donald Trump continues to wreak upon us in his disastrous first months in office influenced any French voters not to consummate their risky dalliance with Ms.Le Pen and her odious henchmen is difficult to know, but if it did it will be one thing we can thank Mr. Trump for.
After Donald Trumps's predictions of a Le Pen win, I'm sure he must already be on the phone congratulating Président Macron. Vive la France!!!
Viva la France!
1
Who would have expected France to be the adult in the room? Thank goodness they didn't jump on the insanity bandwagon along with the UK, which would have likely marked the downfall of the EU...
Jf Macron will implement his proclaimed neo-liberal policies (globalism, selective tax=cuts, 'softening' 'rigid' labor markets, etc) at the next elections in in 2022 Le Pen's National Front will collect 57% of the vote
3
This is what would have happened in the US had the DNC not rigged their nomination for Clinton. Sanders would be president, and while that may not appeal to a large group of Americans, I'm guessing many of them would have preferred Sanders to the orange buffoon currently sitting in the White House.
On a grander scale, this election in France proves that the major political parties do not have a lifetime right to occupy the halls of government. It is a time for new ideas, new directions, and for America to return to its commitment to protect the least amongst us.
That direction will hopefully be guided by the principle of fairness. Left unchecked, capitalism will destroy America, because wealth, not politicians, create unchecked power.
The GOP and the Dems should never rest easy in this regard. Sanders showed that a grassroots effort, primarily backed by the generation that will next rule this nation, the Millennials, is primed and ready to take over and improve the status quo.
From healthcare, to defense, to making those able to work find jobs (and to help them in this regard), and many other things, this country will emerge stronger. So-called Originalists are out of sync with the Founding Fathers, who would have thought such thinking to be backwards and ignorant. The Founding Fathers knew that they didn't know everything, and so created a living Constitution for us all.
Lets' hope their vision is achieved. And let's start by making Trump a one-term president.
On a grander scale, this election in France proves that the major political parties do not have a lifetime right to occupy the halls of government. It is a time for new ideas, new directions, and for America to return to its commitment to protect the least amongst us.
That direction will hopefully be guided by the principle of fairness. Left unchecked, capitalism will destroy America, because wealth, not politicians, create unchecked power.
The GOP and the Dems should never rest easy in this regard. Sanders showed that a grassroots effort, primarily backed by the generation that will next rule this nation, the Millennials, is primed and ready to take over and improve the status quo.
From healthcare, to defense, to making those able to work find jobs (and to help them in this regard), and many other things, this country will emerge stronger. So-called Originalists are out of sync with the Founding Fathers, who would have thought such thinking to be backwards and ignorant. The Founding Fathers knew that they didn't know everything, and so created a living Constitution for us all.
Lets' hope their vision is achieved. And let's start by making Trump a one-term president.
1
The French presidential elections, after the Dutch general elections earlier in March, and possibly the German elections a few months away if considered in sequence and perspective could be a decisive verdict against the xenophobic nationalism and far right authoritarianism, paving the way for putting the democratic accountability and European unity agenda back to the centre of discourse and the governance reforms. France under Macron now perhaps replaces the Trump led US as the leader of the free world.
1
"Macron has no experience in government, which makes him all the more likely to prove unable to successfully govern."
You mean like Trump?
You mean like Trump?
6
Macron brings a much-needed message of hope -- to France, to Europe and to the world. It lifts our spirits, and says that the radical forces of extremism, as exemplified by Le Pen, and the current Trump adminstration, will not triumph.
Macron promises to continue or improve the right of health care for all, the right to a good education, the right to security--of our borders, and those of Europe. Le patrimoine -- protection of French heritage, monuments, art, music will continue.
He regards the EU as key to France's continued participation in the modern world. His plan is one of greater fiscal transparency among EU members, fair competition for jobs in the EU, so that French workers do not lose work to lower wage EU countries and an embrace of new eco-centric technologies. He wants to keep France in the world's largest and richest trade bloc, and in the world.
Macron believes prisons are universities of crime. He wants France do a better job with education and to give a new vision to at-risk youths. He wants to develop career opportunities for young adults who have chosen a trade or artisan track, and incentivize companies to hire them.
Macron's combination of traditional and modern sensibilities, and his optimism, buoy our spirits. His very real earnestness as he shoulders the mantle of French President is reassuring.
I am happy that France rejected extremism and resoundingly chose Macron -- by a margin of 66% to 33% -- a man who speaks of hope, not fear.
Macron promises to continue or improve the right of health care for all, the right to a good education, the right to security--of our borders, and those of Europe. Le patrimoine -- protection of French heritage, monuments, art, music will continue.
He regards the EU as key to France's continued participation in the modern world. His plan is one of greater fiscal transparency among EU members, fair competition for jobs in the EU, so that French workers do not lose work to lower wage EU countries and an embrace of new eco-centric technologies. He wants to keep France in the world's largest and richest trade bloc, and in the world.
Macron believes prisons are universities of crime. He wants France do a better job with education and to give a new vision to at-risk youths. He wants to develop career opportunities for young adults who have chosen a trade or artisan track, and incentivize companies to hire them.
Macron's combination of traditional and modern sensibilities, and his optimism, buoy our spirits. His very real earnestness as he shoulders the mantle of French President is reassuring.
I am happy that France rejected extremism and resoundingly chose Macron -- by a margin of 66% to 33% -- a man who speaks of hope, not fear.
6
For those who believe Le Pen is a far "right wing" candidate, one really needs to do some more homework. With any modicum of research, one would find that her economic policies greatly resemble those of socialist candidate Bernie Sanders. If anything, Le Pen spews out a mixture of socialist and fascist ideas, similar to those on the protest banners of the left wing in this country. Macron espouses changes in economic policy that would move France to the right (as is to more to the conservative side), changes that completely run counter to the ideas put out by Bernie. And remember, if you want a dysfunctional, fascist country like Venezuela, go ahead and support Bernie's insane socialist/fascist ideas and we'll be able to cal the US "Bernie-Zuela".
1
All French national candidates were "socialist," on some points, by American standards, so that doesn't say anything particularly about Le Pen. By the metrics of the French themselves, she is overwhelmingly identified as extreme "right," and has distinguished herself in opposition to "left" policies. Her associations in other countries (AfD, FPÖ, LN, PVV, UKIP, VB) are invariably populist/nationalist, far-right-identified parties. Given that the French invented the idea of "left/right" in politics, I'm going to let their labels prevail.
1
Mz Le Pen states they will have to make some changes to garner more votes in the future. Ditching their Nazi uniforms would be a start.
5
Sixty-six percent of voters cast their ballots in France and this is a low turnout? In the U.S., where often fewer than sixty percent vote, it would be considered terrific.
5
Thank God the people of France are smarter than we Americans are. I am relatively sure that the constant antics of "The Donald" had to make the French think twice about voting for someone like Le Pen.
10
There was so much of value in President Obama's acceptance speech at the JFK Profiles in Courage Award ceremony. The reality of the time as he stated is that they are "uncertain."
Perhaps, the French people realized they do not want a leader like Donald J. Trump to bring their country down as they are now watching Trump do to the US.
I congratulate the French people on their courage to make the right choice for all the people of their country.
Perhaps, the French people realized they do not want a leader like Donald J. Trump to bring their country down as they are now watching Trump do to the US.
I congratulate the French people on their courage to make the right choice for all the people of their country.
Nice result, short term, but Mr Macron has no party behind him and the left doesn't trust him. How does he get his agenda realized? Unfortunately, if France devolves to political stalemate, then he will be setting up Ms Le Pen very nicely the next time around. Overall, the country's divisions have been papered over, but the National Front has been delivered an opportunity to grow further.
1
Luckily for France the "rouge à lèvres sur un cochon" gambit didn't work for Le Pen. The National Front can't be sanitized. It will always remain the racist and anti-Semitic party. Bad news for the FN and good news for France.
2
The French result - with LePen at 34% - is similar to what we saw in November. What used to be a 10-15% authoritarian fringe is now up to one-third. Here, that one-third captured one of our two political parties, and liberal complacency, Russian hacking and the Electoral College did the rest. Hope the French result proves a pivot point. At least our climate change scientists and researchers will have some place to work for the next few years.
18
Let's not forget Bernie and his infiltrated campaign helped by the Republicans and Russians to demonize Hillary.
4
The photo in today's Times of the mix of young obviously affluent, multi cultural supporters of Macron says it all, out with the old France in with the new. France will still be France with some very elegant buildings on Ave. Haussmann, the Isle de Cite remains irreplaceable, the farmers market in the 16th , tres chic, the tiny Museum whose walls are covered in Fortuny, the even smaller bakery in operation since the eleven hundreds where you descend stone stairs worn in the middle from centuries of use to see a man in shorts and toque covered head to toe in flour as he works his mechanical apple corer, or maybe not; maybe it will be like San Francisco's Fishermans Wharf where the fishing fleet and working mans bars once lined opposite sides of the streets now occupied by Vietnamese T shirt shops and various tourist trap restaurants and shops, let's hope not but Macron does represent globalization in which only the very schlocky stores, multinationals and affluent seem to thrive.
4
I disagree with the NYTime's assessment that Macron winning the runoff means that the 'populist' movement is no longer a concern or significant. Macron won because people are sick and tired of corrupt politicians, elitists that seem to think they are better and smarter than the people the represent. Once in office, they join the 'insider' club and no longer represent the people.
Trump won because he was an outsider, not because everyone loved him or wanted 'Trump.' They didn't want a career politician. Someone that goes to DC and succumbs to the nonsense. Macron ran on relaxing labor regulations to expand competitiveness. Same as Trump. None of the major parties even received a significant number of votes.
Trump won because he was an outsider, not because everyone loved him or wanted 'Trump.' They didn't want a career politician. Someone that goes to DC and succumbs to the nonsense. Macron ran on relaxing labor regulations to expand competitiveness. Same as Trump. None of the major parties even received a significant number of votes.
1
I hope the Democrats learn from Macron. Trump will clearly do nothing for the "forgotten man", but the Democrats and can and should remember him. We can be an inclusive party, but we cannot forget the many men and women who continue to struggle for a variety of reason. Some continue to inflict self made wounds, but others have simply stumbled across some bad luck. Let the Republicans coddle the wealthy. That has always been their thing. But Democrats cannot be "Republican Lite". That time has clearly passed.
6
The forgotten men and women as you call them voted in the blue state firewall Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ohio etc for Trump. They felt forgotten not only by Obama but to be fair by Bush and everyone else who made no effort to stop the closure of manufacturing here during the past and present outsourcing of American jobs.
2
More French voters showed political intelligence and a demand for higher ethics than did American voters last year. Good for them, sad for us.
8
France does not have a Fox News, that makes a big difference with the US. French media at large was very tough on all candidates, but by the second round, it was clear, it preferred Macron, specially after Le Pen terrible performance at the last debate, where she acted and sounded like the National Front of her father. Now comes the third round, that which will be ugly, with the extreme right (LePen), and the extreme left (Melanchon), attacking Macron from all sides. Not to mention the center right and center left opportunists politicos who are all dreaming of becoming Macron prime minister.
4
Thank you France.
Please help us with our Trump-fungus/infection.
Please help us with our Trump-fungus/infection.
2
well done france
4
I think it is still important to understand the power of Le Pen's rhetoric when she manages to take a party know for sympathizing and allying with the Nazis and wins parts of the country that were occupied by said Nazis. Yes, the populist movement may be hurting, but it is by no means dead, and only a well informed populace can truly deal it a killing blow.
5
The poor old French cannot catch a break,Massive unemployment, high levels of extremist terrorism and this gentleman is unlikely to help.
"Mr. Macron’s message — that his new movement was neither right nor left, but represented a third way, with elements of both — seemed to appeal to numerous urban voters, as well as to many young voters."
How refreshing! Why can't we adopt that attitude here? You don't learn anything from people that agree with you - there is validity on both sides. We need to focus on things that we can agree on, not the reverse as we do now. Isle-spanning alliances like Kennedy-Hatch and McCain-Feingold are sorely missed.
How refreshing! Why can't we adopt that attitude here? You don't learn anything from people that agree with you - there is validity on both sides. We need to focus on things that we can agree on, not the reverse as we do now. Isle-spanning alliances like Kennedy-Hatch and McCain-Feingold are sorely missed.
8
Good job France!!
8
My 8 yr old granddaughter, when she heard on the news the French had elected Macron, said "well at least the French people did better than the US people". Even young children can see that the far right is wrong for this world, too bad US adults were unable to understand this concept.
11
Don't be so impressed by your 8-year-old granddaughter. Her comment is far more a testament to brainwashing than her precociousness.
Macron will bring to France what Trump brings to America: keep on going, straight downhill. Faster, faster.
Macron will bring to France what Trump brings to America: keep on going, straight downhill. Faster, faster.
1
In the US, Trump succeeded thanks to the support of the far right of uneducated, ignorant segment of the rural mid-west, as well as the electoral college system. Had it been a direct vote, like in France, Trump would have lost by three million votes (he knows it but he can’t digest it). To prevent this political anomaly where a fraudulent con man turned far-right politician becomes the most despised and illegitimate president in history, the electoral system must be changed. However, due the current composition of the House where gerrymandering has subverted the electoral map, it would be almost impossible to modernize the system unless in the next election the people vote their conscience despite the gerrymander.
The lack of ethics and decency of the current presidential family demands it.
The lack of ethics and decency of the current presidential family demands it.
10
We should look into the French educational system---obviously they are doing something right.
10
Thank you France.
6
With Macron's win perhaps there is a trace of sanity left in the world. Congratulations to the French who have despite out side interference showed us how to regain our own sanity. Perhaps we might even learn how to create a health care program from then. What a crazy thought.
8
While the right says the liberals are deluded, empirical evidence seems to reveal that the views exposed by the far right are not an alternative philosophy but an alternative view of reality where rationality is an unwelcome intrusion on a belief structure of fear and greed.
16
If only there was someone like Macron who would step up to run for office here in the U.S. Instead, our political parties tend to give us their worst, not their best, and how difficult it is to even find a centrist in the U.S. these days.
5
Hilary was a centrist and far from our worst, unlike the "fake news" and would have you believe.
12
American voters shunned far right too. Only difference here is France doesn't have electoral college to favor white/rural voters... or James Comey!
17
The reason why Le Pen lost and Trump won is very simple: the electoral system. In the U.S. there's no viable route for a third party candidate like Macron. We are also stuck with a self perpetuating system, that assures less choice and more winners without a mandate due to a lack of a majority of the popular vote. Ours is a sick democracy. France has proven to have a vibrant, fighting democracy.
10
This is just incredible NYT
Didn't you learn from our election?
In another article on today's paper about the French election the author says that " he won because of luck "!!!!
Seriously? More than 60% is luck?
Donald Trump was lucky....just 70000 voters put him to win the electorate college.
And obviously, again and again, the news is not that he won. The news is that Le Pen lost!! Period
But the media has to put her on the spotlight!! Again and again and again. Free press for them. I'm starting to think that Donald Trump is actually right.
Didn't you learn from our election?
In another article on today's paper about the French election the author says that " he won because of luck "!!!!
Seriously? More than 60% is luck?
Donald Trump was lucky....just 70000 voters put him to win the electorate college.
And obviously, again and again, the news is not that he won. The news is that Le Pen lost!! Period
But the media has to put her on the spotlight!! Again and again and again. Free press for them. I'm starting to think that Donald Trump is actually right.
8
Did Trump offer his voters something? We now see that his administration is no more than a right wing grab for more political and economic power without regard for those populist votes. The House health care bill is a perfect reverse Robin Hood example. While his supporters voted for relief they were told it was the underclasses and the liberal elites (how far you want to push that story goes all the way to Nazism) who were holding them back. In reality it is capitalism with the losers and winners who is holding them back and will keep them impoverished and living in a soup of pollution until they can figure out how they got the screw. So I am a populist- I don't like rising CO2 levels; I don't like vast income disparities; I don't like corporate socialism- the oil companies coming in and demanding a continuation of their massive subsides given by the government; I don't like any of it- but I think I can tell why it happening and it is not immigrants, it is not scientists, it is not teachers, it is not doctors or house wives, or ride hailing drivers. A real populism will go to root causes and work on them and not provide lies and deceptions as to how and why. We start with health care - a healthy society will be a rich society; we continue with investments in science and technology; and we pour billions into public education; and we open up a massive program of funding innovation and small business tax breaks- and we let the uber rich fend for themselves.
8
Why is the arch-right both in Europe and in the US most often called being a 'populous' wave?
The populous wave by Marine Le Pen - akin to her father's Jean-Marie Le Pen - and on our shores during the last election, was straight out of the fascist playbook of the last century, one of hate, racism, xenophobia and general fear mongering.
Blame all the 'Others', the ones with a different religion and/or different skin colour for all that ails their respective country, and a large group of those that do not know history will follow you like the Pied Piper of Hamelin into the abyss.
Merci la France, le jour de gloire est pas perdu.
The populous wave by Marine Le Pen - akin to her father's Jean-Marie Le Pen - and on our shores during the last election, was straight out of the fascist playbook of the last century, one of hate, racism, xenophobia and general fear mongering.
Blame all the 'Others', the ones with a different religion and/or different skin colour for all that ails their respective country, and a large group of those that do not know history will follow you like the Pied Piper of Hamelin into the abyss.
Merci la France, le jour de gloire est pas perdu.
7
All very positive and reaffirming news. However, we (any nation that values freedom and democratic ideals) need to look at those numbers more closely. 33% for the far right Le Pen is too high a number to dismiss, also there was too high a number of "White Ballot" voters (protest votes). France has some very serious economic and social structural problems that progressives and centrists need to address in the next five years. In the US with the right firmly in control of legislation we have little hope to drain the swamp and address the very real structural problems here in the next four years. France has a chance now, unfortunately for the US we'll have to wait until 2018 for our next opportunity.
16
It appears the French have learned from our mistake. Well done!
15
Yes, instead of a far right president, they elected a center right president. Anything is better than a liberal!
1
You guys wouldn't know a liberal if one were hanging from your rear ends. Obama was center left, Hillary, center right. You confuse having walking around sense with being liberal, in which case perhaps from the alt-right perspective the rest of us are liberals.
5
Vive la France! They were so much smarter than we were. Bravo for not electing a Trump.
I am so proud of France, true bastion of progressive, humanist values!
And now that France has its very own Tony Blair in the Mssr. Macron, I fully expect France to do as well as the U.K. did under Mr. Blair. Happy days ahead! Just look at the U.K. for what the future brings!!!
And now that France has its very own Tony Blair in the Mssr. Macron, I fully expect France to do as well as the U.K. did under Mr. Blair. Happy days ahead! Just look at the U.K. for what the future brings!!!
The implications of this election in our current administration are important. They effectively put the reins on our President and Mr. Bannon whose shared grandiosity led them to believe they might be the world's trendsetters in their nationalistic views. This is good news for France and the US.
12
Nuffalready - That would be true if the conmen in the White House linked behavior with a rational assessment of facts. But we currently have someone in charge who is trapped in a delusional, narcissistic alternate reality.
9
Paris voted 90% for Macron and voted for Europe back in 2006.
What I would like to say is a strong reality : If, god forbid, a far right candidate ought to be elected he/she would not be able to govern from the Elysee "French White house" which is in the middle of Paris because we would march towards it and it would be the 2nd French REVOLUTION. It's a certainty.
What is devastating about USA is the lack of voters...freedom comes from it. not from barricading yourself in your property watching TV and waxing your guns......I mean you are right now in a 1984 world. And I have no doubts the beautiful american cousciousness will show that she is revived in 5 years.
What I would like to say is a strong reality : If, god forbid, a far right candidate ought to be elected he/she would not be able to govern from the Elysee "French White house" which is in the middle of Paris because we would march towards it and it would be the 2nd French REVOLUTION. It's a certainty.
What is devastating about USA is the lack of voters...freedom comes from it. not from barricading yourself in your property watching TV and waxing your guns......I mean you are right now in a 1984 world. And I have no doubts the beautiful american cousciousness will show that she is revived in 5 years.
10
Thank you France!
And another blow to Trump, Bannon, Putin, Erdogan, Farage and all thinly veiled hate, nationalism and xenophobia.
First it was Austria, then Holland and now France; the three guards of the democratic defense.
I would also like to re-remind people that Hilary beat Trump in our popular vote by 3 million and if it wasn't for our archaic electoral system, we would not have legislated hate and wealth coddling run the day now.
And another blow to Trump, Bannon, Putin, Erdogan, Farage and all thinly veiled hate, nationalism and xenophobia.
First it was Austria, then Holland and now France; the three guards of the democratic defense.
I would also like to re-remind people that Hilary beat Trump in our popular vote by 3 million and if it wasn't for our archaic electoral system, we would not have legislated hate and wealth coddling run the day now.
22
You are delusional. The REAL story of this election was that French people did not trust ANY of their supposed ruling political class to govern them. Macron is, in theory, a total outsider. I think, in general, the French took courage in the fact that Americans were bold enough to choose an outsider instead of corrupt, pandering, political insider parasite like Clinton. If they Americans can take a chance, we can to. This is the story your liberal press won't tell...this election was a total rejection of the French political system. It is not going anywhere--Macron will have to find some allies in Parliament and there the same old politics that has nearly choked France to death will take over.
2
Although you're right about the challenges facing Macron, his election is less about his outsider status than a repudiation of right-wing, xenophobic, fear-based politics. As for the American election, you're the one who's delusional. Trump may be an outsider, but he is the very definition of a corrupt, pandering parasite. He governs to bolster, grow and protect his his own business interests and wealth, he hires criminals, protects despots, and punishes rivals, and he feeds off corporate welfare like a tapeworm. That's the REAL story here in the states. So glad there's a better story today in France.
2
Yes, the far right was shunned.
Fortunately, the center right was NOT with the choice of Macron
Fortunately, the center right was NOT with the choice of Macron
It is so very encouraging to see democracy prevail in content as well as in form. Vive la France!!!
"Misogynistic French elected an inexperienced opportunist" - this would be the NYT headline if Macron was leaning Right.
3
If the USA went with this top two move on to next week's finals approach, I have to wonder if we would have woke up to a President Bernie instead of the Apprentice?
4
Give the Bernie delusion a rest. You're wrong about the numbers and it's easy to grant him endless benefits of the doubt when he didn't (and most likely wouldn't) have won.
3
So, the French people voted for more terrorism, more disunity and continued economic stagnation. Egalite, fraternite, naïveté.
3
No, they voted for positive things, not against other human beings.
They remember 30's Germany and how benignly that all started. They wanted no part of it.
They remember 30's Germany and how benignly that all started. They wanted no part of it.
11
LePen is not a fit vehicle for anti-globalism do to her party's sad history.
3
Thank you people of France. You've shown us democracy is alive and well, and fear doesn't rule the day. Now, I am hopeful we can turn things around here. 2018 will be a wake-up call for the far-right here in the U.S.
9
Merci France! You saved yourself from pernicious racism and Trump- like zealots. BTW don't the French Sociaists remind you of the Bernibros- more zealots with their messianic Bernie Sanders. I grieve HRC's loss more and more every day. 11-8 is my 9-11.
God bless France.
God bless France.
7
Way to go France.
See how easy it is to stiffle hate when you don't have a traitorous confederacy or a backward midwest?
See how easy it is to stiffle hate when you don't have a traitorous confederacy or a backward midwest?
14
See how easy it is to spell "stifle" correctly when you have educated, un-bigoted citizens instead of simple-minded liberal stooges?
Macron's victory is a good thing to be sure.
But in spite of this 30 points victory, Macron is in a weak position. First because he got a 30 percent margin when Chirac got a 60+ fifteen years ago. Second, it would take a miracle for him to get a majority at the legislative next month. There might of course be some bandwagoning from the right and the left, but Les Republicains have already made clear they were campaigning against Macron, as did Melenchon. Le Pen's victory would have litteraly been the end of France, but it surely does not mean that Macron's victory brings any solution to the table. The laws he engineered when he was advising Hollande and then as Minister for the Economy were highly unpopular. We dont have a clue about his foreign policy or security issues including terrorism.
It is really a strange feeling, being French to be relieved but at the same time so worried about what the country will look like in 6 months, just after a presidential election.
But in spite of this 30 points victory, Macron is in a weak position. First because he got a 30 percent margin when Chirac got a 60+ fifteen years ago. Second, it would take a miracle for him to get a majority at the legislative next month. There might of course be some bandwagoning from the right and the left, but Les Republicains have already made clear they were campaigning against Macron, as did Melenchon. Le Pen's victory would have litteraly been the end of France, but it surely does not mean that Macron's victory brings any solution to the table. The laws he engineered when he was advising Hollande and then as Minister for the Economy were highly unpopular. We dont have a clue about his foreign policy or security issues including terrorism.
It is really a strange feeling, being French to be relieved but at the same time so worried about what the country will look like in 6 months, just after a presidential election.
6
The French are in the top five countries for knowing how pesky a few Nazis can be.
9
A significant part of the French population either collaborated or were sympathetic to the Nazis during WW2. Undoubtedly the current immigration has rekindled that perversion in at least some.
3
I'm not a Macron fan, but first, we have to stop Lepen.
A good point, it's to force to retirement many corrupts old politicians. For me, it's the main thing. Place to new faces, in all political parties.
But in a way, we have to listen populism because many people suffer.
So Macron will face to a hard job, ..., and for many reasons I don't trust him to do.
He doesn't come from nowhere ... It's only the new face of an elite. Not sure, he really understands people wishes.
He mades mistakes about french culture. Too open to immigration. I come from immigrants, but I think the country reach a limit (especially with jobless). We should take a break, and change the system like Canada or Australia (point system).
And now, don't forget we have to elect the parliament. With such a crazy campaing, what will happen ? In a way, like many people, (look enquieries about), I won't this guy have all the power. In a way a cohabitation would satisfie me. It would be a kind of test for Macron, but also new leaders (who should take also the power) in opposition.
Anyway, even if I vote "blanc" (white, for nobody), I think french people though much more than their political representatives. They show they like good politic, those one which talk about the future, the challenge of a nation.
In a way, I'm proud about that.
So Emmanuel, do the job, or prepare to face of me if I'm not satisfie (joke, I'm just a Citizen, but ...).
(sorry for my poor English)
A good point, it's to force to retirement many corrupts old politicians. For me, it's the main thing. Place to new faces, in all political parties.
But in a way, we have to listen populism because many people suffer.
So Macron will face to a hard job, ..., and for many reasons I don't trust him to do.
He doesn't come from nowhere ... It's only the new face of an elite. Not sure, he really understands people wishes.
He mades mistakes about french culture. Too open to immigration. I come from immigrants, but I think the country reach a limit (especially with jobless). We should take a break, and change the system like Canada or Australia (point system).
And now, don't forget we have to elect the parliament. With such a crazy campaing, what will happen ? In a way, like many people, (look enquieries about), I won't this guy have all the power. In a way a cohabitation would satisfie me. It would be a kind of test for Macron, but also new leaders (who should take also the power) in opposition.
Anyway, even if I vote "blanc" (white, for nobody), I think french people though much more than their political representatives. They show they like good politic, those one which talk about the future, the challenge of a nation.
In a way, I'm proud about that.
So Emmanuel, do the job, or prepare to face of me if I'm not satisfie (joke, I'm just a Citizen, but ...).
(sorry for my poor English)
5
Macron victory is not decisive. He needs the parliament which could belong to the right, no more empeached by Fillon personnals affairs.
Macron would then be in cohabitation, the prime minister having the real decision power.
Macron would then be in cohabitation, the prime minister having the real decision power.
Bravo to the people of France for choosing not to be swayed by the politics of fear and racism. The voters have shown that they are not gullible (unlike the British & American) voters. Despite the support of Trump, Theresa May & Putin, the French turned their backs on them and chose European unity instead.
Vive La France !!!!!!
Vive La France !!!!!!
11
The day after, the former mainstream conservative and leftist parties are beginning to take a stand for June Congress elections, ready to block I din't know how many Macron's steps and proposals.
One hope: a real and smart majority for this new administration...otherwise the country will be paralyzed again to allow the very culprits of the fact to say " we had told you".
Today, aware of the hard job ahead, what is best in the country has the right to be proud: even if it is probably, even obviously exagerated, this 65 million people country remains able to give examples to the rest of the world...including to those we offered a statue welcoming all liberty believers.
One hope: a real and smart majority for this new administration...otherwise the country will be paralyzed again to allow the very culprits of the fact to say " we had told you".
Today, aware of the hard job ahead, what is best in the country has the right to be proud: even if it is probably, even obviously exagerated, this 65 million people country remains able to give examples to the rest of the world...including to those we offered a statue welcoming all liberty believers.
2
Let's see how this works out for you, France. Let's see if you love the new normal with constant attacks on your country. Let's see how the Muslims will love your new leader. Germany is thrilled. It will expect you to take more refugees and bow down to their will. But, then again, this is nothing new for you.
2
Because America is big with so many individual states I don't expect us to get rid of the electoral system but I think we should get rid of the faulty primary system. Let everyone vote on all candidates, not this vote for registered party only, let all the candidates debate eachother. After we vote on them the top 2 vote getters run the electoral race. Why not?
5
From France, it's very touching to see all your messages saying french people were more clever than american, thanks a lot but you shouldn't push us that we, we are arrogant enough and at the end, we should believe you're right...
Secondly, even if Marine Le Pen is a stupid nationalist, she's more stupid than fascist... So, we aren't "resistant" because our lives were not really in danger (the real resistants were defying death).
Thirdly, even though Marine Le Pen's answers were and are wrong, the fear that pushed so many people to vote for her disgusting program are real and we have to listen to them.
Lastly, a lot of comment say that your president is a shame but in a certain way, it proves also that you are a great democracy because during his past 100 days, he couldn't do what he said because you have a lot of counterpowers (not sure of the word) such as judge, your assemblies, etc. and I think that the vitality of your democracy has still something to teach to the world.
Thaks to all ou american friends !
Secondly, even if Marine Le Pen is a stupid nationalist, she's more stupid than fascist... So, we aren't "resistant" because our lives were not really in danger (the real resistants were defying death).
Thirdly, even though Marine Le Pen's answers were and are wrong, the fear that pushed so many people to vote for her disgusting program are real and we have to listen to them.
Lastly, a lot of comment say that your president is a shame but in a certain way, it proves also that you are a great democracy because during his past 100 days, he couldn't do what he said because you have a lot of counterpowers (not sure of the word) such as judge, your assemblies, etc. and I think that the vitality of your democracy has still something to teach to the world.
Thaks to all ou american friends !
8
And thank you for your thoughts. Good luck to you and France. We are in a troubled time for democracy and democracies around the world; good citizens in all countries must do what we can to uphold and strengthen our better institutions. (The term you wanted, in American political parlance, is "checks and balances.")
3
Smart French people. We get trailer trash as our president and his empty headed trophy wife. and the French get a handsome, smart guy whose wife loves him. The only bright light is that Trump's base will be destroyed by the moron they elected. Can't wait for it.
10
I hope all this great press comes true for France's sake. However, if nothing gets done, Macron will go back to making a mint in the banking sector in 5 years time, probably with a new, younger wife (or mistress) in tow. Nothing wrong with this, but you are obviously more interested in the tabloid side of this than reality..."handsome, smart guy...trailer trash"
For resume...electoral college is US democracy s enemy.
So if you need a Guillotine...
So if you need a Guillotine...
3
Goodbye, Fascists. Vive le France !
7
The French neo Nazis lose, the odious Russians lose in their gambit to interfere in another democratic election.
It's a beautiful day.
Viva la France!
It's a beautiful day.
Viva la France!
11
Liberte, fratenite . . . sanite!! Viva la France!!
6
Just a detail, but a big one I think.
He won with 66 % of expressed election bulletin.
The white vote (I choose) double it's rate (you vote but you refuse to choose, you signify you trust none). Also, people who don't come to vote, are so many since 1969.
In fact, only 43 % of french voters, choose Macron.
And within Macron voters, you have many people from other parties, just to opposite FN and Lepen.
What is the real power of this guy ?
So for parliament election (which is a local election, like your senators, with strong local involvment), I really don't know what would happen.
Hopefully for him, parliament election are in june, so he can keep a good dynamic ... or not. He has to choose prime minister. Don't forgot Macron aggregate many people, perhap's too many, and his coalition can quickly explode.
Also, he's not a guy who represent a so big consensus. Don't forget the result of the first round which, according to me, show a good pictures of the political strengths within the country. And also, without Fillon, what is the real strength of LR ?
Answer in June to know if Macron can govern, and after make good choices ... And just will be a nice symbol (I fear it, just like an Obama). I hope not to be replace by an other Lepen in 5 years ...
But it's been long, we don't have such a pleasant political campain. Thank's to him for that and begin to clean the old politician system (enough corrupt peoples).
So, better than House of cards, take a look to french election.
He won with 66 % of expressed election bulletin.
The white vote (I choose) double it's rate (you vote but you refuse to choose, you signify you trust none). Also, people who don't come to vote, are so many since 1969.
In fact, only 43 % of french voters, choose Macron.
And within Macron voters, you have many people from other parties, just to opposite FN and Lepen.
What is the real power of this guy ?
So for parliament election (which is a local election, like your senators, with strong local involvment), I really don't know what would happen.
Hopefully for him, parliament election are in june, so he can keep a good dynamic ... or not. He has to choose prime minister. Don't forgot Macron aggregate many people, perhap's too many, and his coalition can quickly explode.
Also, he's not a guy who represent a so big consensus. Don't forget the result of the first round which, according to me, show a good pictures of the political strengths within the country. And also, without Fillon, what is the real strength of LR ?
Answer in June to know if Macron can govern, and after make good choices ... And just will be a nice symbol (I fear it, just like an Obama). I hope not to be replace by an other Lepen in 5 years ...
But it's been long, we don't have such a pleasant political campain. Thank's to him for that and begin to clean the old politician system (enough corrupt peoples).
So, better than House of cards, take a look to french election.
2
We, France, have dodged a bullet. Bigly.
9
Now that stunning win, landslide, is what you call a mandate from the people. Nice to see Macron's speech in front of the I.M.Pei pyramid at the entrance of Le Louvre and the throngs of people in the Tuilerie Gardens. Good choice.
6
don't worry if Macron fails due to no reason except another economic disaster from boom to bust we still have our ace in the whole for the world and even France the holy ghost march in fling fling fling out the demons and heal heal heal our sinning women 'Even the Donald could have his healing hands with his attractive 10 star General uniform on every part of a woman's body where a hiding demon must come out of her in this holy ghost rivival and boy do the french people have alot of demonic women Holy Ghost future preacher The Donald would like to get his hands on as he sends them into rapture
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKKVVnKjr2g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKKVVnKjr2g
If Trump-Bannon has any dividend, it is this election. In this country, the USA, we have elected an idiot, an imbecile an national and worldwide embarrassment to our highest office. The world has taken notice and is acting accordingly.
8
I do not want to throw a wet blanket on the celebration in comments below.
But i remember the same euphoria with M. Hollande when M. Sarkozy was ejected.
France has deep problems - of their own making. The labor rules everything - job creation is impossible.
M. Macron has proposed market economy - which an average Frenchman absolutely hates.
Add to his woes that he has no party in the Assembly to pass any legislation.
Given the recent legislative history during M. Hollande regime - France can at best expect a "continuity" that Mme. Le Pen said.
What her party needs to do is eject her from the party. While she may be a nice lady - her name is toxic.
May be in the best tradition of France, she can find a live in partner who will actually be the face of her party - like Ms. Sigorney was to M. Hollande.
But i remember the same euphoria with M. Hollande when M. Sarkozy was ejected.
France has deep problems - of their own making. The labor rules everything - job creation is impossible.
M. Macron has proposed market economy - which an average Frenchman absolutely hates.
Add to his woes that he has no party in the Assembly to pass any legislation.
Given the recent legislative history during M. Hollande regime - France can at best expect a "continuity" that Mme. Le Pen said.
What her party needs to do is eject her from the party. While she may be a nice lady - her name is toxic.
May be in the best tradition of France, she can find a live in partner who will actually be the face of her party - like Ms. Sigorney was to M. Hollande.
6
It is a tragedy that some people abstain from voting. It is absurd. If elected by a minority, they still control the reigns of government. There is never a perfect candidate anywhere, but one is still better than the other. If one abstains, you have lost every right to complaint.
7
Paris voted 90% for Macron and voted for Europe back in 2006.
What I would like to say is a strong reality : If, god forbid, a far right candidate ought to be elected he/she would not be able to govern from the Elysee "French White house" which is in the middle of Paris because we would march towards it and it would be the 2nd French REVOLUTION. It's a certainty.
What is devastating about USA is the lake of voters...freedom comes from it. not from barricading yourself in your property watching TV and waxing your guns......I mean you are right now in a 1984 world. And I have no doubts the beautiful american cousciousness will show that she is revived in 5 years.
What I would like to say is a strong reality : If, god forbid, a far right candidate ought to be elected he/she would not be able to govern from the Elysee "French White house" which is in the middle of Paris because we would march towards it and it would be the 2nd French REVOLUTION. It's a certainty.
What is devastating about USA is the lake of voters...freedom comes from it. not from barricading yourself in your property watching TV and waxing your guns......I mean you are right now in a 1984 world. And I have no doubts the beautiful american cousciousness will show that she is revived in 5 years.
6
I saw thousands of voters getting off buses from Massachussets tour groups in Paris!
6
Macron brings a much-needed message of hope -- to France, to Europe and to the world. It lifts our spirits, and says that the radical forces of extremism, as exemplified by Le Pen, and the current Trump adminstration, will not triumph.
Macron promises to continue or improve the right of health care for all, the right to a good education, the right to security--of our borders, and those of Europe. Le patrimoine -- protection of French heritage, monuments, art, music will continue.
He regards the EU as key to France's continued participation in the modern world. His plan is one of greater fiscal transparency among EU members, fair competition for jobs in the EU, so that French workers do not lose work to lower wage EU countries and an embrace of new eco-centric technologies. He wants to keep France in the world's largest and richest trade bloc, and in the world.
Macron believes prisons are universities of crime. He wants France do a better job with education and to give a new vision to at-risk youths. He wants to develop career opportunities for young adults who have chosen a trade or artisan track, and incentivize companies to hire them.
Macron's combination of traditional and modern sensibilities, and his optimism, buoy our spirits. His very real earnestness as he shoulders the mantel of French President is reassuring.
I am happy that France rejected extremism and resoundingly chose Macron -- by a margin of 66% to 33% -- a man who speaks of hope, not fear.
Macron promises to continue or improve the right of health care for all, the right to a good education, the right to security--of our borders, and those of Europe. Le patrimoine -- protection of French heritage, monuments, art, music will continue.
He regards the EU as key to France's continued participation in the modern world. His plan is one of greater fiscal transparency among EU members, fair competition for jobs in the EU, so that French workers do not lose work to lower wage EU countries and an embrace of new eco-centric technologies. He wants to keep France in the world's largest and richest trade bloc, and in the world.
Macron believes prisons are universities of crime. He wants France do a better job with education and to give a new vision to at-risk youths. He wants to develop career opportunities for young adults who have chosen a trade or artisan track, and incentivize companies to hire them.
Macron's combination of traditional and modern sensibilities, and his optimism, buoy our spirits. His very real earnestness as he shoulders the mantel of French President is reassuring.
I am happy that France rejected extremism and resoundingly chose Macron -- by a margin of 66% to 33% -- a man who speaks of hope, not fear.
8
The stark realities of the French vote: if more than 8% of voters had changed their vote Le Pin would have won, more than 1/3 of eligible voters did not vote at all and the areas of France favoring Le Pin were those near the borders. France may have less cause for celebration and more concern for its long term future if Macron does not succeed. We should wish him well.
3
Le Pen wouldn't have won either cause the abstentionist here are in majority from the far left wing and could'nt vote for a banker nor a fascist, that's all...
By labeling the man as investment banker who never held elected office might be factual but also misleading. His education background more than prepared him for the job and his position in the Holland government made him a high level civil servant elected or not. So NYT should stop using the belittling labeling ( almost sounds like intentional bias) . On that note, stop normalizing the likes of Ivanka Trump, the contrast is glaring. This is a victory for humanity and a reminder of the dark Hole this country is descending down into.
7
Yes, he has limitations meriting concern, and we will see how this presidency plays out, but I'm encouraged the people of France decided against a party that is fear-mongering and xenophobic. Clearly a better choice at this point and certainly more hopeful. This has to be the most sensible thing that has occurred in recent months in a world that is increasingly sense-less. People of the US: get a clue!
4
This shows what happens when a neo nazi runs against a likable, left of center candidate who does not have baggage and can connect with voters. Also, what happens when the mainstream right does not collaborate with the far right.
7
Also, this shows what happens when the voters are so disgusted with the arrogant political elite that they are willing to choose almost anyone besides the pandering, pampered parasites that have led the country for the past 10 years. Like voters did when they rejected Hillary and sleaze-bag Billy. Same scenario.
Thankfully Le Pen was beaten down. This should be a cautionary tale to the US GOP. Even your red constituents despise you. Come 2018 your fired and January 2019 Fake Forty Five goes.
6
France dodged the same bullet that took out the USA and the U.K.
11
Under most circumstances, Macron's victory would be called a landslide and a participation of more than 75% of the electorate would be considered respectable, though not impressive . Why this schadenfreude on both accounts ?
First, perhaps, because of the personality of Le Pen . Her opponents wished to see a complete rout, not just a defeat, and compared her numbers to that of her father's decades ago . But even then, according to contemporary polls, 35% of French voters agreed with "some" of his ideas . What they could not swallow was his rabid antisemitism, his vulgarity, and the insults he was wont to hurl at all who disagreed with him . Marine Le Pen "cleaned up" the party line . Unlike her father, she pretended to care about working people, disguised her Islamophobia by talking about immigration and terrorism and her general xenophobia by waving the flag and blaming the EU . Should we simply forget that many of these very same strategies led to Brexit ? Is it surprising that 34% of French voters were hoodwinked ?
And what about abstention ? Abstentions came from both the right and the left . On the right, some of Fillon's voters could not abide what they considered a plot to derail their candidate . After all, innumerable French politicians fell in the same trap and never paid a price . On the left, Melenchon's supporters were subtly discouraged by their own standard bearer from participating .
Macron's victory was historic . Now, what can he do with it ?
First, perhaps, because of the personality of Le Pen . Her opponents wished to see a complete rout, not just a defeat, and compared her numbers to that of her father's decades ago . But even then, according to contemporary polls, 35% of French voters agreed with "some" of his ideas . What they could not swallow was his rabid antisemitism, his vulgarity, and the insults he was wont to hurl at all who disagreed with him . Marine Le Pen "cleaned up" the party line . Unlike her father, she pretended to care about working people, disguised her Islamophobia by talking about immigration and terrorism and her general xenophobia by waving the flag and blaming the EU . Should we simply forget that many of these very same strategies led to Brexit ? Is it surprising that 34% of French voters were hoodwinked ?
And what about abstention ? Abstentions came from both the right and the left . On the right, some of Fillon's voters could not abide what they considered a plot to derail their candidate . After all, innumerable French politicians fell in the same trap and never paid a price . On the left, Melenchon's supporters were subtly discouraged by their own standard bearer from participating .
Macron's victory was historic . Now, what can he do with it ?
2
It goes to show that the French have been right all along: they are a lot smarter than we are.
5
Once again the French prove they're smarter than Americans.
7
At least w still have trump.
Let the French have this unproven banker for president. France will continue to be a haven for terrorism and bloodshed.
Enjoy.
Let the French have this unproven banker for president. France will continue to be a haven for terrorism and bloodshed.
Enjoy.
2
And tourists! Booking my tickets, love Paris! This liberal will actively support all true democracies and progressive cities. #GrabYourWallet
2
Yes, now probably the least of the world's great democracies, we—still—have Trump.
And we had W a couple before him, speaking of terrorism and bloodshed.
After the inevitable pendulum shift back to the progressives, I shudder to think what cavalcade of horrors our fringe right will spring upon us next.
Ah, but we'll cross that bridge if there are any bridges, or any we, after this one is through with us.
And we had W a couple before him, speaking of terrorism and bloodshed.
After the inevitable pendulum shift back to the progressives, I shudder to think what cavalcade of horrors our fringe right will spring upon us next.
Ah, but we'll cross that bridge if there are any bridges, or any we, after this one is through with us.
1
The NYT is so enamored of its threadbare, vacuous, liberal claptrap that it has to stress Macrons defeat of LePen--anything to get at Trump and the people who voted for him--instead of telling the real story, which is France had ZERO confidence in its putrid, pandering political class and was willing to take a risk on Macron. Like Americans who saw through the sham that was Hillary Clinton and were willing to take a risk on Trump and like the English who were willing to take a risk instead of being tethered to the corpse of the EU. That is the story, NYT, though you will try to dress it up as a rejection of populism by a liberal, open society that welcomes diversity and herds of illegal migrants.
1
Vive la France! Thank you!
Now we have to deal with Marine starting "The Le Pen Channel", as Trump would have done had he lost. She had a third of the vote after all. That is too much. France needs to ignore this woman until she retires to a shack in the French Alps.
Now we have to deal with Marine starting "The Le Pen Channel", as Trump would have done had he lost. She had a third of the vote after all. That is too much. France needs to ignore this woman until she retires to a shack in the French Alps.
2
The EU was always a Franco-German axis and will remain so. The other countries in the EU just do as they are told.
Shellacking fascism. Vive la France.
4
They say "don't count your chickens before they are hatched" and so is it the truth concerning France and the French. The nearly twelve million who voted for Marine are more than enough to win enough seats in the National Assembly to make life more than difficult for Macron as President. The real winner in this election was "apathy" without which who knows what the result may have been. Despite much of the media's enthusiasm for globalization and the EU, they had better wake up to reality which is that many millions, like myself, are proud of our roots and cultures. As such we will never surrender our sovereignty to outside powers.
4
French voters paid attention not only to their own issues and lives, but obviously have seen the results of the elections in Britain and here in the US. Their media also refused to let themselves be played by the hackers. It's nice to know that there is a country where people of common sense, intelligence, and compassion are still going to the polls voting in their own best interests.
33
For all your kind comments about French voters...they didn't vote for Macron because of Trump. The media did ignore a lot of the "background noise" the shoddy journalism, the dirty tricks, the inconsequential crap that is generated in every election, and that the press whips up, and that slow-witted Americans than think they have to comment on. But...9% of voters cast blank ballots in protest. And the turnout was abysmal--the worst since 1969.
Still love the outcome. Nothing is perfect these days, and I appreciate your information. There is a lot of work to be done in our world.
Good move, France. Now... can we have a do-over?
8
Kind of confused here. He was voted in partly because the people had resentment to immigrants? That's what this paper represents as do most the people commenting. You want open borders he doesn't?? Isn't that partly why our current president was voted in? People are tired of having to pay for their children's education and pay for the people who sneak into their country. It's time to help our own citizens.
2
Yes, the French have decided, let's hope Macron does something to protect his nation from radical Islamic terrorism.
2
SoutherBoy: Have no idea why they think it's good for France to have someone leading them that may be against open borders but it's not good for us. Do they even begin to understand why Trump was voted in?
1
Don't count on it. Macron is interested in Macron, remaining in the EU and France will continue to have its open borders and the problems which go with it. He never truly addressed the horrors of the terrorist attacks in France. Paris will still have its areas where French police and citizens are afraid to enter due to threats by radical Islamic groups. Sadly, unlike "Casablanca", the French may not "always have Paris."
2
See what happens with an informed electorate, voting on the weekend and no partisan voter suppression.....the people vote for sanity.
12
Macron has just arrived. What happens next will be the show to watch.
At least trump won't be able to lord it over the people and say 'see I told you!'-
3
Electing Macron, the French showed are more patriotic than some Americans. Unfortunately some Americans are consumed by the hatred towards immigrants, minorities, etc. What a great for France, what a great day for real democracy around the world. Merci mon ami, vous êtes fantastique.
Oh, good! It would be ironic to see Germany and Japan as last bastions of western liberal democracy...
5
Proof positive, after the Netherlands and France, that the nationalist problem is with Anglo old white men!
5
France is doomed to the death spiral of socialism.
1
One thing that is interesting is that people think the increasing popularity of the National Front will be linear. From here in France, it's easy to see that it is not, and never will be. Sure, her father had 20% in 2002, and she just got 35%. If the growth would be linear, another 10 or 15 years, they would be in. But the fact is, for the vast majority of French, the FN is detested.
Some folks, the majority, would never vote for the FN.
The next 5% will be very hard for them.
10% more would probably be impossible for them.
And even 10% more would only put them at 45%.
The only hope for them is that if people of different religions cannot live together in peace. They, the FN, would have a chance then, but if that is the case, then we are doomed as a planet.
The smart people of all faiths need to work together to prevent the stupid people of all faiths from mucking things up too badly. And there is still plenty of time for that.
And for the Euro and the EU, that issue will wither away with the years, and both will just become a standard element of the landscape, in the same way that the Dollar is the same in Connecticut as it is in California. Who is talking about getting rid of the Dollar ? Or putting up trade barriers between Florida and Michigan ?
Some folks, the majority, would never vote for the FN.
The next 5% will be very hard for them.
10% more would probably be impossible for them.
And even 10% more would only put them at 45%.
The only hope for them is that if people of different religions cannot live together in peace. They, the FN, would have a chance then, but if that is the case, then we are doomed as a planet.
The smart people of all faiths need to work together to prevent the stupid people of all faiths from mucking things up too badly. And there is still plenty of time for that.
And for the Euro and the EU, that issue will wither away with the years, and both will just become a standard element of the landscape, in the same way that the Dollar is the same in Connecticut as it is in California. Who is talking about getting rid of the Dollar ? Or putting up trade barriers between Florida and Michigan ?
3
I hope that don's endorsement/kiss of death helped deliver the humiliating loss to Le Pen. The pariah factor.
otherwise, bien fait, la France!
otherwise, bien fait, la France!
6
I just wanted to comment on the Nossiter piece, where he referred to Fillon and an embezzlement scandal. That is a very misleading term. Fillon did not have a good answer for what his wife did as a parliamentary assistant. Perhaps she mostly spent her time helping his political career. But if you are going to allow people to hire family members in political positions, and the French do and lots of them, and she is an English trained lawyer, gimme a break, she was obviously a huge asset. We will see where this goes. The prosecution is continuing. At the same time, last week, Fillon sued Le Canard Enchaine for a form of libel under French electoral law. So he will get to depose people, who helped write about this, and it was obvious they were relying on all sorts of obviously illegal leaks, most notably from the judicial authorities, but also it would seem from the tax authorities. In recent decades, the assumption is that the members of the press are the good guys. But am I the only person, who thinks that Nixon was taken down by the FBI in the form of Mark Felt, somewhat undermines that narrative? I would argue that it was the Deep State that took out Fillon. And mainly because he forcefully recognized that its ideology was driving France into the ditch. Let's see if the Houellebecq novel turns out to be more prescient than this election result may indicate.
1
To the French: Good Decision! Don't waste this. Work for the whole world. I beg you. Show the world how Democracy works! Down with Fascism! Lead the way, France!
5
Happy but cautiously awaiting the future. While the United States is not guilt free, the French are not exactly renowned for consistency. I dare you to find a succinct history of the current French happenstance. Things are... how shall I say this?...complicated.
In his victory speech Macron called for defending 'the spirit of the Enlightenment.'
That sounds pretty good, compared to the USA’s dominant Gop. They aim to promote the spirit of the Dark Ages---which is anti science ideology, religious fundamentalism and rule by powerful elites over a less educated, easily molded population.
The French Enlightenment may be almost un-American today.
En Marche, America!
That sounds pretty good, compared to the USA’s dominant Gop. They aim to promote the spirit of the Dark Ages---which is anti science ideology, religious fundamentalism and rule by powerful elites over a less educated, easily molded population.
The French Enlightenment may be almost un-American today.
En Marche, America!
7
in the Revolutionary War Lafayette came to our rescue and in WWI we returned the favor ("Lafayette, we are here"). Perhaps Macron can play a modern day Lafayette, if only by example.
3
Wow, that you can even put Macron and Lafayette in the same sentence is offensive. Lafayette was for liberty, for freedom! Macron is a globalist, technocrat. SMH.
France just said HUGE NO to TRUMPISM in Europe and that's good enough for me! Bravo!
4
You know it's a been a good day when the alt-right flying monkey's are on here crying.
6
Kudos to the French media for not aiding and abetting Le Pen the way the American media did Trump. In America the Coup worked because the media was the perfect accomplice.
7
The French are smarter than the English- speaking world.
4
The market is up... The rich get richer. Ease labor rules..... BTW perfectly respectable economist Stiglitz questions the brilliance of a single currency.
When you have mostly monopolies IMO there is NO capitalism. In fact, I would bet that NO ONE possibly Krugman or Stiglitz could explain this economic clearly, esp. when it comes to health... where we don't have capitalism at all. Issues of holding property in common versus most wealth in private hands have been debated since Pythagoras, Plata, Christ, More, Marx, to name a few.
Talk is cheap but can determine who gets elected.
When you have mostly monopolies IMO there is NO capitalism. In fact, I would bet that NO ONE possibly Krugman or Stiglitz could explain this economic clearly, esp. when it comes to health... where we don't have capitalism at all. Issues of holding property in common versus most wealth in private hands have been debated since Pythagoras, Plata, Christ, More, Marx, to name a few.
Talk is cheap but can determine who gets elected.
1
A great tree grows from a seed, and it is quite disconcerting that the fascist, racist, jingoist National Front along with other like-minded movements elsewhere in Europe and the US have taken root so deeply. 34% is quite a start, and the message should be heard loud and clear: in time we will arrive, we are not cowed, we are uplifted, motivated and this is what coming change looks like.
1
How easily the sheeple here and there are satisfied with this 'win'. What this election has demonstrated is how dissatisfied the French are with their business-as-usual candidates, The French (like the majority here) are sick and tired of the same old, same old. Think about what happened. The traditional parties were rejected and an extreme (for the French VERY extreme) candidate won fully 1/3rd of the electoral majority.
Give it a bit of time, (a change of name from National Front) another terrorist attack or three, a continuing sluggish economy, further disintegration of the European project and the host of other 'problems' that are assured as night follows day, and the French may well fully embrace Le Pen or someone very like her.
So don't be too quick to celebrate, there are other French elections coming. To dodge a bullet to the head is of little consolation when it hits you in the stomach. The tide against globalism is rising.
Give it a bit of time, (a change of name from National Front) another terrorist attack or three, a continuing sluggish economy, further disintegration of the European project and the host of other 'problems' that are assured as night follows day, and the French may well fully embrace Le Pen or someone very like her.
So don't be too quick to celebrate, there are other French elections coming. To dodge a bullet to the head is of little consolation when it hits you in the stomach. The tide against globalism is rising.
There are a lot comments misleading the votes of LePen. She got only 33% of the vote. Put in context with the 25 % who voted "blanc" (either far left, or "regular" conservatives, -neither of whom felt represented by either candidate) brings LePen's votes back hovering about the 20% mark she had in the first round. This is her permanent base, and it does not seem to expand ( the Front National predicted at least 40% in the direct run off- she fell woefully short of that!) This is the really good news, rationality won, and won big among hacking, fake news, attacks and general fear mongering.
Let's maintain this positive spirited momentum and show our own right wing fear mongering republican nuts the way to the door next year. This French vote should send shivers down the spines of every republican, the tide against stupidity has turned.
Let's maintain this positive spirited momentum and show our own right wing fear mongering republican nuts the way to the door next year. This French vote should send shivers down the spines of every republican, the tide against stupidity has turned.
5
Better a new person than a candidate from the well
established parties that have been ripping France apart.
established parties that have been ripping France apart.
1
Amazing result for Le Pen. Macron will fail and only build more support for Le Pen and her party in future elections. Le Pen needs the right economic environment to push her party over the top like a severe economic downturn which will come in the next business cycle downturn. Le Pen ad her party have momentum and time on their side and it is only a question of the right factors all falling into place before the final success.
Seems like Trump and Brexit were effective vaccines to immunise Europe against extreme right populism. It's up to the EU now to show that economic prosperity, openness to the world (not the same as mass immigration) and providing equal care and opportunities for every citizen can withstand today's world of manipulated media and politics. EU and France, this is your time to shine and show the way!
6
From Austria to the Netherlands to France, Europeans showed again and again their best maturity and vision and understood that the wave of extreme-right populism is always a lose-lose in every respect.
4
Good for France and the human values it stands for---especially equality. May
Macron prosper.
Macron prosper.
3
At last. Amidst the world wide horror we face each day a group of people loudly and clearly saying no to racism. To the US and the UK: step aside; there's a new beacon of hope for the world. France has faced as much horror from terrorism and as much pressure from migration as any of us. Yet they voted for inclusion and compassion. Bravo France!
3
The EU almost came apart, with good reason, and I hope its leadership will learn a hard lesson from the real threat it faced, and probably avoided thanks to Macron's victory today.
The EU needs to be a real union--where the more affluent, more powerful nations work with nations whose economies are faltering in order to help them regain health. The leaders of the EU stubbornly clung to "austerity," well after the harsh approach had been strongly discredited as a solution; banks imposed punitive draconian measures on nations which received loans and made profits on them while burying member nations in crisis. These practices need to be totally abandoned. As in our country, the middle class needs to be restored.
The economic rebellion in the US, in England and in France is not born from thin air. Democracies work when there is a good-sized middle class and when there isn't a widening chasm in wealth inequality. Let's hope those in power in all our nations have been chastened and are wiser leaders.
But for today, it is Vive la France.
The EU needs to be a real union--where the more affluent, more powerful nations work with nations whose economies are faltering in order to help them regain health. The leaders of the EU stubbornly clung to "austerity," well after the harsh approach had been strongly discredited as a solution; banks imposed punitive draconian measures on nations which received loans and made profits on them while burying member nations in crisis. These practices need to be totally abandoned. As in our country, the middle class needs to be restored.
The economic rebellion in the US, in England and in France is not born from thin air. Democracies work when there is a good-sized middle class and when there isn't a widening chasm in wealth inequality. Let's hope those in power in all our nations have been chastened and are wiser leaders.
But for today, it is Vive la France.
2
While I agree with the majority of your comment, "economic rebellion" does not address the seething racism (all --isms) of these right-wing movements. These are angry people who see safety in scapegoating and that technique requires little introspection.
2
Reply to C: Yes, that racism was there from the start, BUT for the first time since WWII, the fascistic parties and philosophies have surged in power, and in our country have snatched our White House.
What was the trigger? How did they get others to follow them, racist or not? The rise of an oligarchy in a nation born in Democracy.
What was the trigger? How did they get others to follow them, racist or not? The rise of an oligarchy in a nation born in Democracy.
1
I think Macron can offer a credible economic plan because being more like Germany is hardly the end of social welfare.
That is in contrast to Trump and May whose economic plans have not worked in practice.
That is in contrast to Trump and May whose economic plans have not worked in practice.
1
http://www.francetvinfo.fr/elections/presidentielle/quatre-chiffres-qui-...
Macron is actually in a weak position. On the 44% of the people who elected him, 43% did it only because they did not have other choice against the far-right. Many abstained too and left a blank vote.
Macron is actually in a weak position. On the 44% of the people who elected him, 43% did it only because they did not have other choice against the far-right. Many abstained too and left a blank vote.
It's good to see a centrist beat back the extreme left and right wing.
The French have proven they care more about freedom and democracy
Not quite.
They have proven they care about keeping their welfare programs.
They have proven they don't care about preserving French Culture and Heritage.
Napoleon wanted to take France to the world.
Now they voted to bring the world to France.
Not quite.
They have proven they care about keeping their welfare programs.
They have proven they don't care about preserving French Culture and Heritage.
Napoleon wanted to take France to the world.
Now they voted to bring the world to France.
One commonality I see in Trump and Brexit--both happened in countries where Murdoch-controlled organizations control much of the so-called "news".
5
Good observation. Rupert Murdoch and his media machine have been a curse on democracy ever since he got his greedy hands on the press and the airwaves in both countries.
Very good news for democratic Europe.
It (Europe) escaped the manipulated elections we have seen in the US (Trump) and UK (Brexit).
See the link below for a "must read" in The Guardian/The Observer:
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/may/07/the-great-british-bre...
It (Europe) escaped the manipulated elections we have seen in the US (Trump) and UK (Brexit).
See the link below for a "must read" in The Guardian/The Observer:
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/may/07/the-great-british-bre...
More evidence the rest of the world will move forward without the USA.
Good people of France, do for President Macron and your country what so many of my good fellow Americans failed to do for President Obama and ours: stay engaged! The vote is not the end of a nation's responsibility, it is the beginning.
Take every opportunity to elect at every level of government representatives who will work with him rather than against him. They're not omniscient. Never stop telling elected officials at all levels of government where you reasonably want to be, and never lose sight of those goals even as the paths there are long and winding. Compromise is inevitable, but never stop being the change you wish to see and working to help others who wish to be so as well.
Unlike our last election, you didn't let domestic cynics and foreign propagandists distract from the goal today. But like our previous election, even the most inspiring leader can fall short not because of his failings but because of his constituents', who grow too distracted, apathetic or impatient.
We must know our history and others' to see how far we've come and how far we have yet to go, and to understand the time and effort it takes for each step forward amidst the roiling tides of short-sightedness.
The U.S. founding documents speak of self-evident truths, but we have yet to fully live up to their ideals. "Liberté égalité fraternité" like "Life Liberty and Happiness" are not achievements, they're pursuits—efforts all of us must make every day for all, lest all of us lose them forever.
Take every opportunity to elect at every level of government representatives who will work with him rather than against him. They're not omniscient. Never stop telling elected officials at all levels of government where you reasonably want to be, and never lose sight of those goals even as the paths there are long and winding. Compromise is inevitable, but never stop being the change you wish to see and working to help others who wish to be so as well.
Unlike our last election, you didn't let domestic cynics and foreign propagandists distract from the goal today. But like our previous election, even the most inspiring leader can fall short not because of his failings but because of his constituents', who grow too distracted, apathetic or impatient.
We must know our history and others' to see how far we've come and how far we have yet to go, and to understand the time and effort it takes for each step forward amidst the roiling tides of short-sightedness.
The U.S. founding documents speak of self-evident truths, but we have yet to fully live up to their ideals. "Liberté égalité fraternité" like "Life Liberty and Happiness" are not achievements, they're pursuits—efforts all of us must make every day for all, lest all of us lose them forever.
2
The French did something we couldn't...they ignored Russian efforts to sway the election to the right. Vive la France!
May this be the beginning of the Strong Center that rejects outright the crazy extremes of both the far left and far right. Viva la France!
At least one nation's peoples have made the right decision which is more cannot be said of the people of the United States of America.
note I said United States of America, there are many countries in the Americas and I never call myself anything else than that. The term America for this country is and always meant Imperialistic state.
note I said United States of America, there are many countries in the Americas and I never call myself anything else than that. The term America for this country is and always meant Imperialistic state.
2
1/3 voted for Le Pen.
Many chose silence.
Although she was defeated, her xenophobic agenda will continue to linger. So it's a grave mistake to presume her loss was"decisive."
Many chose silence.
Although she was defeated, her xenophobic agenda will continue to linger. So it's a grave mistake to presume her loss was"decisive."
Thank you France! The streak of populist wins - Erdogan, Brexit, Trump - is broken! Merci!
The French commitment to critical thinking and reason is evident in this election. We have lost that in the U.S. and it will be further corroded by the use of school vouchers and the subsequent funneling of our children into religious schools. As the world gets smarter, we will become dumber and will soon be seen as a backwater of education, where emotions rule the day rather than critical thought.
He is not a"centrist" like you call him, he is a declared socialist.
1
Did Trump call Macron to congratulate him?
Or does Trump not have any property interests in France?
Or does Trump not have any property interests in France?
1
French voters showing us the way on how to abolish the Electoral College via the sheer popular vote for an Amendment to the US Constitution.
2
Hooray, an investment banker wins. Celebrate all you like, but it's hard to see how Le Pen doesn't win in 2022, unless Mélenchon does. The answer to neoliberalism's failures is not more neoliberal leaders. Credit where it's due: somehow this ENA-educated former minister for Hollande has somehow managed to fool millions into thinking he's some sort of radical outsider. Though if the French media is anywhere near as fawning as the American media has been, it can't have been so hard.
Macron will be a do-nothing President. The legislative elections will probably yield another fractured Assembly. France's political climate makes it as ungovernable as the U.S.
Macron will be a do-nothing President. The legislative elections will probably yield another fractured Assembly. France's political climate makes it as ungovernable as the U.S.
the purported Far Right, got more votes than ever before
oops
oops
Somewhere up there, Voltaire is smiling. Merci, mes amis!
1
Front National received more of the vote than it has in any past election. It did not win. But clearly it is growing.
The reason why is not because France's bigots and racists are growing in numbers. The reason is that it is the only party addressing serious concerns of many voters.
If Macron carries on following the formulas of the past, continuing to push for a longer work week, higher retirement age, and weaker job protections, if he continues to ignore the social strains emerging in France due to a huge influx of immigrants and a long-standing existing immigrant population that does not integrate and adopt the values of French society, then 5 years from now, the FN will very likely have grown more.
The reason why is not because France's bigots and racists are growing in numbers. The reason is that it is the only party addressing serious concerns of many voters.
If Macron carries on following the formulas of the past, continuing to push for a longer work week, higher retirement age, and weaker job protections, if he continues to ignore the social strains emerging in France due to a huge influx of immigrants and a long-standing existing immigrant population that does not integrate and adopt the values of French society, then 5 years from now, the FN will very likely have grown more.
This is a big relief. One can only hope that a Macron administration in France will help fortify what must necessarily become an unofficial federation of civilized nations that stand united as a bulwark against the axis of evil consisting of Trump, Putin, Kadyrov, Duterte, and others of that ilk.
In France, 33.9% of voters supported Marine Le Pen for president. That is an improvement of 16.1 percentage points over her father Jean Marie's showing in the 2002 presidential election, when he won 17.8% of the popular vote. Add 16.1 to 33.9 and you get...exactly 50. Give it another 15 years (Marine is only 48), and the National Front could get there. France isn't out of the woods yet.
But yes, all things considered the results in France were less troubling than what we saw in November when 46.1% of voters in America chose Donald Trump.
But yes, all things considered the results in France were less troubling than what we saw in November when 46.1% of voters in America chose Donald Trump.
It's great that Le Pen lost. But it's not great that 1/3 of French voters voted for her.
35
Well actually they didn't, more than a third didn't vote, some perhaps because the polls showed a massive win for Macron
So 64% voted and La Penn got 34% of that.
Without getting down to a maths exercise, approximately 21% actually voted for La Penn, so it is true the French extremist vote is up but not that much.
Usually the case most European countries have around 11% extreme left and right.
The French elimination system force one of three choices, Vote for one or other of the two front runners, or don't vote.
So I could present the hypotheses that half of the extreme leftist anti government vote, went to La Penn so the NF vote could be up only 4.5%.
The Saddest bit is the president like your one, didn't get 50% of the electorate.
So 64% voted and La Penn got 34% of that.
Without getting down to a maths exercise, approximately 21% actually voted for La Penn, so it is true the French extremist vote is up but not that much.
Usually the case most European countries have around 11% extreme left and right.
The French elimination system force one of three choices, Vote for one or other of the two front runners, or don't vote.
So I could present the hypotheses that half of the extreme leftist anti government vote, went to La Penn so the NF vote could be up only 4.5%.
The Saddest bit is the president like your one, didn't get 50% of the electorate.
less than the percentage of Americans who voted for the demagogue Trump
1
The French have proven they care more about freedom and democracy than we do. It's a great day for France and an embarrassing one to be an American. Vive la France!
74
USA stay a great democracy...with a lot of judges and counter powers.
Merci
Even tough the Russians were after him, Macron was able to win. Hillary Clinton, a flawed candidate, would still have won except for Huma and her pervert husband, Carlos Danger. Comey would never have sent his October 28 letter except for Carlos. They are bad news.
12
Huma illegally sent classified e-mails to Carlos Danger's unsecured computer, so yes, it is her fault. In fairness, the Democrats couldn't have picked a much worse candidate than Hillary. She couldn't even beat Donald Trump. Pitiful...
She should never have forwarded Classified Emails to him! That says it all.
If Trump did not become the president and there was no Brexit, the French might have voted differently !!!
5
Well, I guess you're there to know those things. Me, I'm just down
the street from the rest of your family in NYC, so I wouldn't have your
first-hand knowledge.
the street from the rest of your family in NYC, so I wouldn't have your
first-hand knowledge.
The French have a proverb for the kind of stuff you're saying "with lots of IFs you could put paris in a bottle"
Obama congratulates Macron as ISIS celebrates.
3
Wait. Didn't Trump defeat ISIS already? He said he would do it in 30 days.
10
I'm thinking ISIS would be happier with Le Pen, as that would rally more to their cause.
50
Le Pen was prefered by Daesh. Its not a good new for the extremists islamists...
According to Daesh Le Pen was a good candidate for a civil opposition betwin christians, atheists in one side and muslims in other side.
According to Daesh Le Pen was a good candidate for a civil opposition betwin christians, atheists in one side and muslims in other side.
Don't for a minute think that this was not a repudiation of the fascist right in France, Europe and the US. For all the help they got from Russians, Wiki and not the least, Trumpites, Le Pen's tribe got clobbered. Vive France Libre! May Macron do what Obama couldn't and what the UK chose not to.
23
If Obama hasn't been able to limit the damage done by the Great Recession to ordinary Americans more than what he did, there's one single reason for it: unprecedented obstruction from Republicans in Congress, combined with an unprecedented level of lies and hatred from "mainstream" right-wing media such as Fox News.
None of this exists in France.
And Le Pen and her party have a history of racism and anti-Semitism that cannot possibly be compared to the (nonetheless real and existing) racism of the GOP.
So yes, it's a repudiation of the fascist right, but it may have more to do with circumstances than with ideology ...
None of this exists in France.
And Le Pen and her party have a history of racism and anti-Semitism that cannot possibly be compared to the (nonetheless real and existing) racism of the GOP.
So yes, it's a repudiation of the fascist right, but it may have more to do with circumstances than with ideology ...
32
I think US fascist are every bit the equal of French facist.
.one of you first families with connections to the English and European Monarchies were strong supporters and funded the Nat Socialists.
.one of you first families with connections to the English and European Monarchies were strong supporters and funded the Nat Socialists.
1
In the last year the voters in the UK, US and Turkey have made truly terrible choices, voting against their own self-interest and intentionally squandering past great progress in their societies. So misguided. So it is great to see that the good people of France have not made the same tragic mistake (keeping in mind that LePen's 30+ % of the vote is 30+% too high). So, with some reservations, I say Vive La France!
36
The National front s voters in France arent all racists bigots ...
They are peoples with a great disagree against social and economic facts in France...that Macron said himself this night.
There is racists bigots ...in all countrys and in all over the world even Africa...not only in USA or UK or France.
They are peoples with a great disagree against social and economic facts in France...that Macron said himself this night.
There is racists bigots ...in all countrys and in all over the world even Africa...not only in USA or UK or France.
French have chosen what they want last Sunday. Yet the polling results show 34% of French citizens did not participate the decision actively and Macron won 66% of those actively participated.
Macron only won a little over 43% of the French support. His presidency will face seriously challenges.
The good news is that French chose to stay with the European Union. That lend the EU more time to correct its deficiencies.
Germany is the biggest winner of this election and it is also the most beneficiary of the post economic tsunami, but lack of compassion to bring up the disadvantageous of other EU member countries.
A united European Union needs to make all the member countries in the same league. Mixing players from different leagues will not hold the European Union long.
Macron only won a little over 43% of the French support. His presidency will face seriously challenges.
The good news is that French chose to stay with the European Union. That lend the EU more time to correct its deficiencies.
Germany is the biggest winner of this election and it is also the most beneficiary of the post economic tsunami, but lack of compassion to bring up the disadvantageous of other EU member countries.
A united European Union needs to make all the member countries in the same league. Mixing players from different leagues will not hold the European Union long.
11
I suggest you look at these similar numbers for American voters in the 2016 presidential election
I deeply agree with you analysis.
I'm not a Macron fan, but first, we have to stop Lepen.
But in a way, we have to listen populism because many people suffer.
So Macron will face to a hard job, ..., and for many reasons I don't trust him to do.
He doesn't come from nowhere ... It's only the new face of an elite. Not sure, he really understands people wishes.
He mades mistakes about french culture. Too open to immigration. I come from immigrants, but I think the country reach a limit (especially with jobless). We should take a break, and change the system like Canada or Australia (point system).
And don't forget we have to elect the parliament. With such a crazy campaing, what will happen ? In a way, like many people, (look enquieries about), I won't this guy have all the power. In a way a cohabitation would satisfie me. It would be a kind of test for Macron, but also new leaders (who should take also the power) in opposition.
A good point, it's to force to retirement many corrupts old politicians. For me, it's the main thing. Place to new faces, in all political parties.
Anyway, even if I vote "blanc" (white, for nobody), I think french people though much more than their political representatives. They show they like good politic, those one which talk about the future, the challenge of a nation.
In a way, I'm proud about that.
So Emmanuel, do the job, or prepare to face of me if I'm not satisfie (joke, I'm just a Citizen, but ...).
(sorry for my poor English)
I'm not a Macron fan, but first, we have to stop Lepen.
But in a way, we have to listen populism because many people suffer.
So Macron will face to a hard job, ..., and for many reasons I don't trust him to do.
He doesn't come from nowhere ... It's only the new face of an elite. Not sure, he really understands people wishes.
He mades mistakes about french culture. Too open to immigration. I come from immigrants, but I think the country reach a limit (especially with jobless). We should take a break, and change the system like Canada or Australia (point system).
And don't forget we have to elect the parliament. With such a crazy campaing, what will happen ? In a way, like many people, (look enquieries about), I won't this guy have all the power. In a way a cohabitation would satisfie me. It would be a kind of test for Macron, but also new leaders (who should take also the power) in opposition.
A good point, it's to force to retirement many corrupts old politicians. For me, it's the main thing. Place to new faces, in all political parties.
Anyway, even if I vote "blanc" (white, for nobody), I think french people though much more than their political representatives. They show they like good politic, those one which talk about the future, the challenge of a nation.
In a way, I'm proud about that.
So Emmanuel, do the job, or prepare to face of me if I'm not satisfie (joke, I'm just a Citizen, but ...).
(sorry for my poor English)
The french president elections need a majority. And all french presidents except Chirac in 2002 was elected with this sort of minority.
Sarkozy or Mitterand or Hollande won with less of the vote than Macron...
Sarkozy or Mitterand or Hollande won with less of the vote than Macron...
Yay! From the U.S.A, a resounding YAY!!!
38
The French voter demonstrated a commitment to reason and determination to care for his/her fellow Frenchmen and women. Thus has America lost its claim to being the leader of truth, justice and freedom for all in the Western World.
Thank you for the lesson, mes amis. It hurts, but it was needed.
Thank you for the lesson, mes amis. It hurts, but it was needed.
32
At last! Voters who vote intelligently! Unlike....oh never mind...
42
THANK YOU Les Francais, for this very sensible outcome!
36
Macron is like the Hillary that actually one. No one likes him, they all disagree with him, but they are required to vote for him to prevent the National Front from taking power.
This is what, the third time that the French have had to vote for a candidate they hate just so the National Front doesnt take power?
Every time, the vote for NF gains a few percentagr points. Le Pens dad got less than 20%, now she is at 35%. A few more years, and the NF will win. Well, unless Franch leaders can actually lead their country, which of course they cannot.
This is what, the third time that the French have had to vote for a candidate they hate just so the National Front doesnt take power?
Every time, the vote for NF gains a few percentagr points. Le Pens dad got less than 20%, now she is at 35%. A few more years, and the NF will win. Well, unless Franch leaders can actually lead their country, which of course they cannot.
7
What did you mean with "they cannot"?
Exactly what french politics and journalists are thinking...
Surely true...halas.
Surely true...halas.
Absolutely thrilled. Vive la France!
26
A nation of philosophers choose a philosopher as president, but that didn't prevent Marine Le Pen from trying to forget the typically French difference between being a "patriot" and a "nationalist".
In her concession speech, she called her own party the party of "patriots". In France, however, "patriots" tends to refer to French citizens who are proud of France's past and its multiple and diverse cultural "resources", all while being open to the world and new interactions and influences, whereas being a "nationalist" tends to refer to what according to German philosopher Carl Schmitt defines a collective identity by opposing it to other collective identities (= other "nations", religions, ...), that are perceived to be (potential) enemies.
This perfectly sums up the mistake Le Pen made during her entire campaign: she tried to sell "nationalism" as being a form of "patriotism". Fortunately, that's too inconsistent to be strong "branding"...
And fortunately, a clear majority in France is confident enough in its country's future to prefer patriotism rather than nationalism.
So why wasn't that the case in the US? Macron got twice as many votes as Le Pen, whereas Clinton only got 3 million more.
Fact is, France's safety net is MUCH better than what's the case in the US. High quality health care is much more affordable, and social security much more available to blue collar workers suffering from the negative effects of globalization.
And the "outsider" here was Macron ..
In her concession speech, she called her own party the party of "patriots". In France, however, "patriots" tends to refer to French citizens who are proud of France's past and its multiple and diverse cultural "resources", all while being open to the world and new interactions and influences, whereas being a "nationalist" tends to refer to what according to German philosopher Carl Schmitt defines a collective identity by opposing it to other collective identities (= other "nations", religions, ...), that are perceived to be (potential) enemies.
This perfectly sums up the mistake Le Pen made during her entire campaign: she tried to sell "nationalism" as being a form of "patriotism". Fortunately, that's too inconsistent to be strong "branding"...
And fortunately, a clear majority in France is confident enough in its country's future to prefer patriotism rather than nationalism.
So why wasn't that the case in the US? Macron got twice as many votes as Le Pen, whereas Clinton only got 3 million more.
Fact is, France's safety net is MUCH better than what's the case in the US. High quality health care is much more affordable, and social security much more available to blue collar workers suffering from the negative effects of globalization.
And the "outsider" here was Macron ..
6
Many of the comments articulate the superiority of the French to Americans. I want to remind my fellow commentators that 94% of African American women voted for Hillary Clinton. We got it right!
41
Three million more voters for Hillary. She won the election.
25
If she won the election, why isn't she President?
No.
She didn't.
She didn't.
Liberty Equality Fraternity.
11
The French have always felt a bit superior to us, but now they emphatically are.
Get me some of them Freedom Fries!
Get me some of them Freedom Fries!
25
The only reason NYT readers are in a state of ecstasy over this is because they think this a victory against trump. This love fest will indeed end quickly. Marine Le Pen may have lost this time, but someone who will be much worse than her, can win the next one.
9
It's a victory against fear, hatred, racism and fascism. Yes, a victory against Trump!
68
Victory is victory. It is better than defeat.
Good on France. I wish our electorate was as thoughtful.
33
Our electorate was as thoughtful, but it was overridden by the antiquated electoral college.
One person, one vote. Total fairness. Full Democracy!!
One person, one vote. Total fairness. Full Democracy!!
44
The electoral is ok. It's the primaries that are the problem. We shouldn't just get to vote for our party's candidate only we should get to vote on all candidates like they do in France. Let top 2 vote getters run the electoral race
Marcon beat his opponent by getting twice as many votes as her (= 30% more). Clinton only got 3% more of the vote here ... so there's more going on in the US than just the electoral college bias ...
I admire French voters who soundly rejected the xenophobic fear mongering of the right-wing FN. Perhaps the steadiness of the people of France will serve to guide both the U.S. and U.K. toward regaining their moral footing.
35
The fact that they have far better social security and access to affordable health care may have helped too ... ;-)
18
Now kind sir use the power at your disposal to tie these vile hacks to Russian intelligence agencys.
And shown their ties to American hacking schemes.
Time for France to rescue America.
Please.
And shown their ties to American hacking schemes.
Time for France to rescue America.
Please.
25
They did 250 years ago, during the Independance War.
We are on our own, now.
We are on our own, now.
The Russians assassinate people in London with radioactive poison which was 100% identified as DNA of theirs, they kill journalists in front of the Kremlin as muggings to send a message, they killed as a mugging journalists in the Ukraine.
Reporting map of France, leaves off the DOMs including Martinique, Guadeloupe, Tahiti, Reunion, St. Pierre & Miquelon, etc... These places are part of France and vote in French elections. Just like Hawaii votes in US elections. NYT should include these regions in their reporting. Anyway, thankful Macron won.
9
The French people succeeded today where others have failed. UK and USA take note....maybe the rest of Europe will follow the French lead.
10
has anyone considered the fact that the Murdoch media interests are not a factor in France? They are poisonous in both Britain and the United States.
30
To better understand the differences between Europe and the United States:
From a French point of view Le Pen is far-right. But she does not call into question the secularity of the state, the right to abortion, our strong health care, gay marriage and the prohibition of weapons.
From a French point of view, Bush was far-far right, Obama was a right-centrist and Trump is far-far-far-far-right.
From a French point of view Le Pen is far-right. But she does not call into question the secularity of the state, the right to abortion, our strong health care, gay marriage and the prohibition of weapons.
From a French point of view, Bush was far-far right, Obama was a right-centrist and Trump is far-far-far-far-right.
28
Perhaps this illustrates the difference between Europe and the US as well: Merkel is the leader of the rightwing conservative party in Germany. No one in Germany would call her a liberal.
Fascism and xenophobia are recoiling in France. It will be interesting to see in a few weeks whether Britain rejects Theresa May and the Brexit they voted on just a few months ago. It will be a reversal of fortunes for Europe. Unfortunately, because of our system of government, we will be stuck with Trump and his irrelevance until 2020.
11
The Brits are unfortunately embracing May more, not less.
What a relief! I think it's interesting that Le Pen won 33% of the vote. That's pretty similar to the 35% level of support reported for Donald Trump. What are we doing wrong in the USA that he was elected president instead of being soundly defeated?
16
Proof that an "outside" candidate like Macron can fool the masses into thinking he isn't a completely manufactured corporate lackey put in place to maintain the wealth of the 0.1%.
6
Are you sure you're not talking about our own President?
18
Once again, France saves civilization.
12
Funny how America keeps saving France and fawning Francophiles are amazed how France does it!
France saves civilization?!
The country that perpetrated the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre of Protestants? The country that considered an indulgent wastrel (aka Louis XIV) to be a Sun King? The country that answered the Age of Reason with the Reign of Terror? The country that allowed a little megalomaniac (aka Napoleon) to tear Europe apart? A country that fell to Germany three times in less than 100 years yet still had the unmitigated chutzpah to consider themselves a great power?!
France has driven itself into the drink over the past centuries yet still has remained stubbornly snobbish and sanguine about its own failings. Neither Macron, Le Pen nor any of the other candidates actually have a chance of saving France from herself. C'est la vie.
The country that perpetrated the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre of Protestants? The country that considered an indulgent wastrel (aka Louis XIV) to be a Sun King? The country that answered the Age of Reason with the Reign of Terror? The country that allowed a little megalomaniac (aka Napoleon) to tear Europe apart? A country that fell to Germany three times in less than 100 years yet still had the unmitigated chutzpah to consider themselves a great power?!
France has driven itself into the drink over the past centuries yet still has remained stubbornly snobbish and sanguine about its own failings. Neither Macron, Le Pen nor any of the other candidates actually have a chance of saving France from herself. C'est la vie.
Do not let him speak to a depressive guy, he would commit suicide immediately after :)
3
I can't wait to see the first group photo op with Macron and Trump with their spouses. The differences in their thinking and priorities could not be made anymore obvious. It was my wife, who is 18 years my senior, who was the one who made me aware of Macron's marital status, coincidentally.
12
Macron's win solidifies France's leadership of the free world, no longer in America's hands.
9
Unlike America, Russia lost the election in France.
22
Vive La France, Congratulations Monsieur Macron........Sanity rules in France by a landslide. However, here in the USA we may have a holocaust if the Senate repeats the debacle in the House. The representatives passed another bill which would deny affordable health care to millions of people using tricks and lies to fool the public into believing that they will have wonderful health care. The truth is that in getting rid of millions of sickly people in the middle class.including a lot of the poor, they will be able to reward the top 2% with generous tax cuts using the money saved when the uninsured drop dead. It has been reported that many in the House did not read the bill before voting on it and it is common knowledge that the Donald avoids tiresome detailed work that is longer than a tweet which means he probably did not read it. There was a lot of joy when the brutal House bill was sent on to the Senate.
5
The French are smarter than us.
16
Thank goodness, there is hope in Europe.
Now, tomorrow is the presidential election in Korea. Let's hope for a similar outcome in Asia. Nous sommes unis, Liberté, Equalité, Fraternité!
Now, tomorrow is the presidential election in Korea. Let's hope for a similar outcome in Asia. Nous sommes unis, Liberté, Equalité, Fraternité!
5
Please France prepare yourself for the suicide attacks that will be coming.
2
We faced 3 million deaths during the WW1, 1.5 million during the WW2.
These terrorist attacks are mosquito bites.
Forward with Macron.
These terrorist attacks are mosquito bites.
Forward with Macron.
28
So how the heck is Mr Trump going to react to this massive win over extremism?
Pretty upset most likely as he hates everyone who is not our for themselves and want total corporate and personal control of their country as if they OWN it.
Pretty upset most likely as he hates everyone who is not our for themselves and want total corporate and personal control of their country as if they OWN it.
12
Thank god the French voters are smarter than Americans and did not elect an alt right idiot. They didn't fall for Putin's hacked leaked email trick. Bravo!
31
Now that's really making France great again!
17
There are many differences between Marine Le Pen and Donald Trump:
- Le Pen has a past of anti-Semitism, racism and flirting with nazi ideologies, whereas Trump hasn't.
- Le Pen is a career politician, Trump isn't.
- Trump is part of a party that wants to destroy social security and health insurance, whereas Le Pen supports a leftist agenda on these issues.
- Trump is very good at "branding" himself and his opponents, with cruel one-liners that reflect or exaggerate aspects of them that somehow are part of the public perception of those people ("Lyin' Ted"), whereas Le Pen tried to throw the most outrageous insults at Macron, but failed to come up with truly relevant one-liners (telling Macron that he represents "la France soumise", whereas he's rather perceived to be too elitist/powerful by many voters to be able to recognize themselves in him, especially voters who feel uncertain and threatened in their identity/economic situation).
- Trump has 20 years of carefully crafted lies invented by Fox News to build his world of "alternative facts" - rather, he did NOT have to build that himself, FN had already done it for him, and so successfully that many conservatives adopted it as their worldview, whereas there's no equivalent of FN in France, so Le Pen lied as much as Trump, but had to start from scratch ...
- Le Pen has a past of anti-Semitism, racism and flirting with nazi ideologies, whereas Trump hasn't.
- Le Pen is a career politician, Trump isn't.
- Trump is part of a party that wants to destroy social security and health insurance, whereas Le Pen supports a leftist agenda on these issues.
- Trump is very good at "branding" himself and his opponents, with cruel one-liners that reflect or exaggerate aspects of them that somehow are part of the public perception of those people ("Lyin' Ted"), whereas Le Pen tried to throw the most outrageous insults at Macron, but failed to come up with truly relevant one-liners (telling Macron that he represents "la France soumise", whereas he's rather perceived to be too elitist/powerful by many voters to be able to recognize themselves in him, especially voters who feel uncertain and threatened in their identity/economic situation).
- Trump has 20 years of carefully crafted lies invented by Fox News to build his world of "alternative facts" - rather, he did NOT have to build that himself, FN had already done it for him, and so successfully that many conservatives adopted it as their worldview, whereas there's no equivalent of FN in France, so Le Pen lied as much as Trump, but had to start from scratch ...
11
Maybe people who lived through the Nazi rule remember to be afraid of those who snell like Nazis?
18
I believe the hacking of Macron was the last straw for much of the populace. When they took a good look at what we elected with the help of the hackers, they ran the other way.
18
I suggest a read of an article The Guardian has up right now, about the populist right in France being far from "over". Macron has no parliamentary support, the 11 million votes the FN got represent a new record for them, and 20% of those voting sent in "nul" or "spoiled" ballots. As one individual frankly put it, the unemployment problem is not likely to be much better in five years, nor much else changed. Macron has never held elected office, and owes this night to two things: Fillon's financial scandal, and Not Being Le Pen.
There is a very good reason the EU is relieved: they expect Macron to carry their water for them - despite his rather airy statement a couple of weeks ago that "I will reform the EU in-depth" and warning that if the EU did not reform and address its dysfunctionality, it would confront a FREXIT, Brussels knows perfectly well that Macron will do nothing of the kind, and the status quo is safe in his hands.
There was a great deal of euphoria when Hollande was elected, too, and we know how that ended. The problem is, winning is one thing, and governing another, and Macron only has a few years to head off the next round against the populism that the stagnant economy will keep feeding.
Macron is a friend of the globalists, not a "centrist". Right, left, and center are losing their relevance. What is happening is that the commons are being ground down by the new feudal lords. It is unlikely Macron will stand against that.
There is a very good reason the EU is relieved: they expect Macron to carry their water for them - despite his rather airy statement a couple of weeks ago that "I will reform the EU in-depth" and warning that if the EU did not reform and address its dysfunctionality, it would confront a FREXIT, Brussels knows perfectly well that Macron will do nothing of the kind, and the status quo is safe in his hands.
There was a great deal of euphoria when Hollande was elected, too, and we know how that ended. The problem is, winning is one thing, and governing another, and Macron only has a few years to head off the next round against the populism that the stagnant economy will keep feeding.
Macron is a friend of the globalists, not a "centrist". Right, left, and center are losing their relevance. What is happening is that the commons are being ground down by the new feudal lords. It is unlikely Macron will stand against that.
10
Thoughtful comment. Unfortunately it will be lost amongst the average NYT reader, who have this in their minds as something that hurts Trump. Thats all that matters to them.
3
I expected a comment like this. Anti-globalism is the Communism of the 21st century and is allowed to fester, it willl bring about the same results: famine, poverty, violence, economic and social collapse. There is no viable alternative to capitalism as an economic system and global integration as a political one. The world is more peaceful today than it has ever been (yes, it is a real fact, not an alternative one - check the statistics). People are feeling "left behind"? Maybe they should be left behind. There are winners and losers in every game. A civilized society cushions the pain of losing but does not try to abolish the game itself.
5
Please with the luddite nonsense. The notion that your boy is going to insulate the US economy from the global economy is as laughable as the myth that he gives a fig about coal miners. Do this math neighbor, before they hire a factory worker back at $22.00 an hour when they were paying $5.00 in Mexico, they'll automate.
1
Vive la France!
It is great to see that the majority of the French electorate (the vast majority) are living up to their historical vision of lliberte!
Many people in the UK must be quite embarrassed as they have proven themselves thus far to be the least globalized of the Western European powers.
It is great to see that the majority of the French electorate (the vast majority) are living up to their historical vision of lliberte!
Many people in the UK must be quite embarrassed as they have proven themselves thus far to be the least globalized of the Western European powers.
8
The first thing President-Elect Emmanuel Macron should do is to announce that he will not visit Donald Trump in the Oval Office or Mar A Lago. He should not be seen legitimizing a xenophobic dull-witted man and the antithesis of himself and his vision for the world.
28
Yes. Yes and Yes.
6
I hope no
Mr Trump like Us president represents all Us nation.
Never a french president will do that.
Mr Trump like Us president represents all Us nation.
Never a french president will do that.
No - contacts shall not be shunned. But he should refuse to meet at Mar A Lago. And - different from the Chinese strong man - I'm sure he can resist that invitation.
But also, make no mistake - Wallstreet will love Macron.
But also, make no mistake - Wallstreet will love Macron.
En France, une victoire de santé, de civilité et d'idées. Et une défaite de la bêtise belliqueuse et de la haine. In France, a victor for sanity, civility and of Ideas. And a defeat of belligerent stupidity and of hate. BRAVO. BRAVO.
24
I'm sorry to say, this French election will likely go down as a turning point in Western society for the worse. Macron will be the Petain of his day to Putin, the Hitler in the making of our time.
We don't have nationalist to fear - we should be guarding against dictators and kleptocrats with their illiberal views of democracy and Western culture. These are the people in league with the 1%, supporting their globalist agenda. They are not lifting others us and others up - they are tearing us all down to the lowest level of wage slaves in Asia and Africa, all for their own self-enrichment. They don't care about extremist, even the extremism of radical Islamist, because they are ensconced in their secure high rises, gated communities and global cities, corporations and universities, far from the madding crowd. We are fodder feeding the maws of their great leveling machine.
Macron's "appeal" will quickly wane as he begins to flounder in doing anything to reform France and further allows Brussels to tighten its doughy, suffocating, ineffectual grip on Europe.
Thank God for Brexit! Thank God for Fortress England! The dogs of war are coming and only the US and the UK have a hope of withstanding and fighting them back when they're at our heels.
We don't have nationalist to fear - we should be guarding against dictators and kleptocrats with their illiberal views of democracy and Western culture. These are the people in league with the 1%, supporting their globalist agenda. They are not lifting others us and others up - they are tearing us all down to the lowest level of wage slaves in Asia and Africa, all for their own self-enrichment. They don't care about extremist, even the extremism of radical Islamist, because they are ensconced in their secure high rises, gated communities and global cities, corporations and universities, far from the madding crowd. We are fodder feeding the maws of their great leveling machine.
Macron's "appeal" will quickly wane as he begins to flounder in doing anything to reform France and further allows Brussels to tighten its doughy, suffocating, ineffectual grip on Europe.
Thank God for Brexit! Thank God for Fortress England! The dogs of war are coming and only the US and the UK have a hope of withstanding and fighting them back when they're at our heels.
14
Disappointed by the french votes and France perhaps ?
Keep cool : no war in Europe now.
Keep cool : no war in Europe now.
Le Pen was supported by Putin.
My word... do you ever reread what you write?
2
If we had a democracy.
We too would be breathing the air of freedom, instead of feeling nauseous everyday.
If we only had a democracy.
We too would be breathing the air of freedom, instead of feeling nauseous everyday.
If we only had a democracy.
14
In 2017, France > United States. When are we going to start applying that "leader of the free world" title to a real country?
8
Thank God.
16
Food for thought: What does Le Pen's election failure say about French voters vs US voters? Given the numerous terrorist attacks in France & the "real" issues of mass migration into their country they decisively rejected Le Pen, unlike the Trump voters,who inexplicitly, were taken in by Trump's diversive & fake rhetoric especially about preventing terrorism & stopping Muslim immigration. What did they see in Le Pen that the US Trump supporters wouldn't/couldn't see.? Perhaps, the US election simply reflected the obvious flaws in the undemocratic & archaic electoral system that continues to govern us.
20
Proof that an "outside" candidate need not be a demagogue appealing to fear or racism.
16
A good feeling about what the outcome would mean to not just France but to the EU and the rest of the world as well. Thank you France for not giving us another shocking result.
14
Two sounds echo through the internet today:
1) The anguished howls of hordes of Trump supporters who swear they will never visit France after the results of today's election.
2) The collective sigh of relief from umpteen million French people that they will be spared from invasion by the above.
Allez France!
1) The anguished howls of hordes of Trump supporters who swear they will never visit France after the results of today's election.
2) The collective sigh of relief from umpteen million French people that they will be spared from invasion by the above.
Allez France!
36
Most Trump voters, at least those on the downtrodden part of the economic scale (rather than the unashamed self-enrichers amongst the haves), haven't left their state let alone their country ever.
8
Fitting day. Macron wins in France. And Barack Obama is on our televisions tonight with all the class, grace and substance of the wonderful statesman that he is. Fluently speaking, with style and finesse.
WOW is he missed.
WOW is he missed.
40
We need an article or 2 on what the terms left, right, center mean in France, Germany, UK, Holland, Scandinavia--- where they have a long tradition of health care regardless of income, health status or age, plus low cost college tuition, even including medical school, and a national policy of parental leave for employees. So many differences that affect lives of average citizens.
Without these clarifications, the US public is simply confused by all the reporting on French politics.
The definition of these terms have even changed in the US compared to its past. Gop Pres Ike would be too left wing for today’s Gop.
The US is fighting for health care system that’s accepted in most nations, and has the world’s highest tuition cost, and let’s states and businesses decide for themselves on crucial work place protections. If their employees luck out, so what.
Thus the right wing abroad is not extreme like here on social protections. Macron though a banker who wants to make some budget cuts, is termed a centrist, yet he was in the socialist cabinet of Hollande. No comparison to rw Trump who is also to the right of Marine Le Pen on social policy.
We need some clarifying comparisons.
Without these clarifications, the US public is simply confused by all the reporting on French politics.
The definition of these terms have even changed in the US compared to its past. Gop Pres Ike would be too left wing for today’s Gop.
The US is fighting for health care system that’s accepted in most nations, and has the world’s highest tuition cost, and let’s states and businesses decide for themselves on crucial work place protections. If their employees luck out, so what.
Thus the right wing abroad is not extreme like here on social protections. Macron though a banker who wants to make some budget cuts, is termed a centrist, yet he was in the socialist cabinet of Hollande. No comparison to rw Trump who is also to the right of Marine Le Pen on social policy.
We need some clarifying comparisons.
10
Unlike America, most of these countries including Canada, Australia and others from time to time may elect a more so-called "right wing"(centrist in the U.S.) government but they would not dare promote a socially right wing agenda. It would be the "kiss of the death" for them in the next election.
For the NYT and other American media outlets to apply these political labels as some sort of a comparison to American politics is meaningless and generally innacurate. After all, the vast majority of these countries have more than TWO(maybe only one?), political/ideologic choices from which to choose.
For the NYT and other American media outlets to apply these political labels as some sort of a comparison to American politics is meaningless and generally innacurate. After all, the vast majority of these countries have more than TWO(maybe only one?), political/ideologic choices from which to choose.
1
Yes, they have more than 2 political choices. So what do you mean maybe only one?
To better understand the differences between Europe and the United States:
From a French point of view Marine Le Pen is far-right. But she does not call into question the secularity of the state, the right to abortion, our strong health care, gay marriage and the prohibition of weapons.
From a French point of view, Bush was far-far right, Obama was a right-centrist and Trump is far-far-far-far-right.
From a French point of view Marine Le Pen is far-right. But she does not call into question the secularity of the state, the right to abortion, our strong health care, gay marriage and the prohibition of weapons.
From a French point of view, Bush was far-far right, Obama was a right-centrist and Trump is far-far-far-far-right.
2
Putin must be wailing and gnashing his teeth.
I can imagine Trump pounding his shoe on the desk, behind loudly slammed closed doors.
The French are much more patriotic than the republicans in our partisan Electoral College.
I can imagine Trump pounding his shoe on the desk, behind loudly slammed closed doors.
The French are much more patriotic than the republicans in our partisan Electoral College.
24
That makes no sense. He doesn't care. He has bigger things in mind.
Nonsense - his course much larger
As even Comey said Russia's agenda is the worst of all
As even Comey said Russia's agenda is the worst of all
Not jealous very often, but as an American...........
18
I never doubted that French people would elect Le Pen. They are too intelligent, well informed and educated. Unlike Americans.
14
Not always either in history or the existing anti Semitic population
1
America is the most diverse nation and our intelligence is great.
2
They didnt elect Le Pen they elected Macron.
2
C'est la vie
And she can't say she doesn't accept it and her phones were tapped or He's but a citizen or anything else
And she can't say she doesn't accept it and her phones were tapped or He's but a citizen or anything else
2
Typo or he's not a citizen
Good! Vive la France !!!
Always bringing common sense to the rest of the world!!
Always bringing common sense to the rest of the world!!
10
Not always - just a good vote
2
The French media isn't afraid of calling a candidate a liar, who uses lies. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/07/world/europe/emmanuel-macron-france-e...
However, here to state that a lie is a lie is a luxury the media never takes. So we end up with "alternative facts," "fake news," and "benefit of the doubt," and....
However, here to state that a lie is a lie is a luxury the media never takes. So we end up with "alternative facts," "fake news," and "benefit of the doubt," and....
3
I don't think the French are smarter than Americans and they most definitely aren't less racist. But I can't imagine any country that could watch what's happened to the US in 100 days and decide they want some of that for themselves. Donald Trump is the worst thing to happen to right-wing, racist, xenophobes. The United States loss might be the rest of the world's gain.
31
I think the French saw the results of electing an incompetent, ignorant, xenophobic, racist as president and said whatever the French phrase is for "Fuhgeddaboudit".
11
I totally agree with you. Vive la france! Vive les Etats Unis! Vive piketty! I don't understand why you have just 2 political party though....And why Trump (alias the bitter joke) was from one of the two. I mean doesn't he discredit all the republicans ??? Come on people aren't you disgusted be such hypocritical politicians particularly from the republicans. I know that there are a bunch of hypocrits too in the democrat party but it's just absolutly not comparable to the republicans. When someone hide behind is god at any occasion he is just a wolf who praise among sheeps.
4
We have more than two parties, but we do not have a parliamentary system in which each party is represented in parliament according to the percentage of the popular vote the party earned. That would more democratic, IMO.
Thank God France does not have an electoral college.
16
The French were smart enough to brush off the Russian/WikiLeaks hacking and dumping of Macron's emails. And at such a large margin, it's a flat out repudiation of racist, nationalist and fascist ideologues.
I hope we can send the same message to Putin and Assange in 2018 and 2020
because they WILL be back here doing the same thing again.
I hope we can send the same message to Putin and Assange in 2018 and 2020
because they WILL be back here doing the same thing again.
10
This makes me happy but, he is still a neo-liberal. Why has socialism taken such a beating? There is an urgent need for socialism and the civilized world is running away from it as fast as they can without justification.
8
Vive...sorry for the typo.
3
Viva la France! There is still sanity in the world.
5
Macron 66,06% Le Pen 33,94% President of France Macron
Clinton 48.2% Trump 46.1% President of the USA Trump
Clinton 48.2% Trump 46.1% President of the USA Trump
26
Yes. With liberty and justice for all ( the 1%).
6
This election does nothing but kick the political can down the road. As a right-wing pro-capitalist politician Macron has pledged to continue to press attacks against the French working class by making it easier to fire French workers - a gift to the bourgeoisie that has placed him in power.
The struggle between the two contending classes in any capitalist nation-state - the working & capitalist classes - will continue apace. By allowing the fascist Le Pen to run as 1 of the 2 principal candidates in this election,the French bourgeoisie fired a warning shot over the heads of the workers. The capitalists & aristocrats of France (& all Europe) will continue to support their fascist "alternative" in the event that the restive French working class rises up to defend itself. As the US continues to brutalize the nations of the Middle East more refugees will be forced to flee to those countries the US is not likely to attack in the near future - in Europe & the USA itself. This will continue to inflame the rabid racists of the French fascist/neo-fascist parties. The only way out of this political dead end is through workers socialist revolution which will sweep away the capitalist system once & for all, setting the stage for an egalitarian socialist worker-run United States of Europe. Unless this happens, the next major economic catastrophe that befalls world capitalism may be the trigger that unleashes the fascist hordes throughout Europe in the run-up to WWIII. -IWPCHI
The struggle between the two contending classes in any capitalist nation-state - the working & capitalist classes - will continue apace. By allowing the fascist Le Pen to run as 1 of the 2 principal candidates in this election,the French bourgeoisie fired a warning shot over the heads of the workers. The capitalists & aristocrats of France (& all Europe) will continue to support their fascist "alternative" in the event that the restive French working class rises up to defend itself. As the US continues to brutalize the nations of the Middle East more refugees will be forced to flee to those countries the US is not likely to attack in the near future - in Europe & the USA itself. This will continue to inflame the rabid racists of the French fascist/neo-fascist parties. The only way out of this political dead end is through workers socialist revolution which will sweep away the capitalist system once & for all, setting the stage for an egalitarian socialist worker-run United States of Europe. Unless this happens, the next major economic catastrophe that befalls world capitalism may be the trigger that unleashes the fascist hordes throughout Europe in the run-up to WWIII. -IWPCHI
5
Macron's new party En Marche has not a single deputy in the parliament - and is unlikely in the upcoming elections to gain a significant fraction.
His ability to implement meaningful chances will be limited and subjected to endless horse trading.
His ability to implement meaningful chances will be limited and subjected to endless horse trading.
3
"and is unlikely in the upcoming elections to gain a significant fraction. "
Macron got over 66% of the vote, which was also unlikely.
Macron got over 66% of the vote, which was also unlikely.
5
...wait to see whom he chooses to govern with him first. I think you, we, they may be very surprised.
The "problem" is he won with 66 % of expressed election bulletin.
The white vote (I choose) double it's rate (you vote but you refuse to choose, you signify you trust none). People who don't come to vote, are so many since 1969.
In fact, only 43 % of french voters, choose Macron.
And within Macron voters, you have many people from other parties.
So for parliament election (which is a local election, like your senators, with strong local involvment), I really don't know what would happen.
But it's been long, we don't have such a pleasant political campain.
The white vote (I choose) double it's rate (you vote but you refuse to choose, you signify you trust none). People who don't come to vote, are so many since 1969.
In fact, only 43 % of french voters, choose Macron.
And within Macron voters, you have many people from other parties.
So for parliament election (which is a local election, like your senators, with strong local involvment), I really don't know what would happen.
But it's been long, we don't have such a pleasant political campain.
I am smiling a huge smile of relief tonight. Merci a tous les Francais et a la liberte, l'egalite et la fraternite. Vive la France!
11
So, in this way, the U.S. lost to France.
Politics and culture may not be built over night.
The U.S. turned into a secondary country with the election of Trump.
Politics and culture may not be built over night.
The U.S. turned into a secondary country with the election of Trump.
Paris voted 90% for Macron. The cities won over the country side.
9
Good
5
Please above all else do not declare Trump a populist. He is no Williams Jenning Bryan. In American history populists have sought to help the poor.
16
Vive la France!
6
Finally, sanity from a major power. Brexit, trump should be seen for what they are: an appeal to the basest instincts: fear, immigration, and progress. Whether it's "make America great again" or whatever lies the British leave contingent foisted on their unsuspecting populace, hopefully this French election is a ray of light. Vive La France.
13
Hopefully foretells a Merkle victory. A united Europe is essential. I predict Briton will come to its senses and Brexit will vanish.
2
Trump congratulated Erdogan and Durterte. Will he congtatuate Macron?
9
"The choice between the plague and the chicken pox"
(Worker in Lille, district 607, where Mélenchon pulled 51.7% )
(Worker in Lille, district 607, where Mélenchon pulled 51.7% )
6
France pulls ahead of America, intellectually. Who'd a thunk it?
7
Pretty much everybody.
12
No Electoral College contradicting the will of their voters!
28
I'm glad to see such an overwhelming victory for Macron. While I know no one wants to vote for someone just because the 'other guy is much worse', I think this election shows that people are generally starting to understand that the choices they make affect the world over. By not voting you still make a choice and people like Le Pen count on that. I used this same thinking when I voted for Hillary and I do not regret that decision at all.
11
No candidate is perfect. In every election, voters must decide who best represents the their country's moral core and personifies its greatest hopes for the future. Americans decided it should be a willfully ignorant acolyte of white nationalism who preyed on their fears and resentments. French voters mercifully chose otherwise.
26
The American public has seen our political power and economic security systematically removed from us more and more as big money interests legally exert influence on our 3 branches.
As corporate profit piles up, political power increases along with it, in a self reinforcing system. Then public resistance against this undermining of democracy is condescendingly labeled “redistribution’.
Princeton’s Martin Gilens and other analysts have compiled stats showing most of our laws are passed per wishes of the elites, ignoring preferences of the citizen majority, whenever they differ from those elites.
Now we have excessive inequality and insecurity compared with our past strong middle class/working class. French health care for all wasn't even a contested issue in France. US voters would benefit greatly from various French policies we're seeing now, which level the election playing field.
Wonder if any US news media, so proud of its press freedoms, will discuss these. Is the US public getting all the ‘news fit to print’ on how the do democracy abroad? Or just the horse race and personality reporting?
Some examples: Public funding, limits on private donations, short campaigns, no paid media political ads, free media time apportioned equally for all candidates, multi parties with meaningful differences and labels, and 2 round voting so the true preferences of voters can be seen in the 1st round.
En Marche, America!
As corporate profit piles up, political power increases along with it, in a self reinforcing system. Then public resistance against this undermining of democracy is condescendingly labeled “redistribution’.
Princeton’s Martin Gilens and other analysts have compiled stats showing most of our laws are passed per wishes of the elites, ignoring preferences of the citizen majority, whenever they differ from those elites.
Now we have excessive inequality and insecurity compared with our past strong middle class/working class. French health care for all wasn't even a contested issue in France. US voters would benefit greatly from various French policies we're seeing now, which level the election playing field.
Wonder if any US news media, so proud of its press freedoms, will discuss these. Is the US public getting all the ‘news fit to print’ on how the do democracy abroad? Or just the horse race and personality reporting?
Some examples: Public funding, limits on private donations, short campaigns, no paid media political ads, free media time apportioned equally for all candidates, multi parties with meaningful differences and labels, and 2 round voting so the true preferences of voters can be seen in the 1st round.
En Marche, America!
11
The strong middle class was a post war anomaly. We should be grateful it lasted as long as it did.
1
If that's so, maybe we shouldn't "leave capitalism alone."
2
Nonsense. The middle class is stronger in other capitalist democracies than it is here. We used to lead other countries. Our downward living standards aren’t inevitable, as those who engineer them pretend. Our media avoid comparing the better upward mobility of citizens in other capitalist nations, per OECD figures easily found on the web.
In many EU nations their insurance/drug companies don’t expect to make US style profits off the sick. Or to make investments in their campaigns for guaranteed returns.
In many EU nations their insurance/drug companies don’t expect to make US style profits off the sick. Or to make investments in their campaigns for guaranteed returns.
5
Le Pen represents the worst in people -- bigotry and hate and fear -- thankfully the French voters saw her for what she is and voted for Macron -- who is her opposite and who expresses hope and positivity.
Too bad the many American voters were too dumb to realize that Trump is also a peddler of fear, hate, and racism along with xenophobia and misogyny.
Too bad the many American voters were too dumb to realize that Trump is also a peddler of fear, hate, and racism along with xenophobia and misogyny.
16
I have never been happier for France! Thank god you have done something, and a very significant something, to stem this tide of racial phobia and unrestricted greed. Trump supported LePen, expect many of his infantile reactions, but still, your turning back of this fascist tide momentous. May we do the same.
5
This was a fluke victory ffor Macron, and the far right will come back strong.
2
A bunch of troglodytes that want to take the world back to the Middle Ages? No thanks! Vive la France!
17
No. Only in Turkey a Muslim enclave.
Vive la France! Thank you France for rejecting the bigoted and selfish plague that threatens all of us united in democracy. Many, many of us here in America hope to join you soon back in the realm of sanity. Vive la Liberte!
14
Having traveled a lot of the world, I believe that the average citizen of most nations is much more politically aware and knowledgeable than the average American. Especially true of the French. Macron also is a much different candidate than Hillary Clinton. Thus the different outcomes.
13
Yes. I know that from just reading news, watching TV and conversations with ex pats from other countries. They in general are much more worldly and sophisticated.
5
Would that we had a young Emmanuel Macron as our President instead of Old Father William from"Alice in Wonderland (whose hair isn't white, but a confection of orange and platinum)! Splendid news that EM defeated Le Pen roundly for the 5 year French Presidency. We have lived through the first 100 days of Trump's miserable administration and are filled with dread about the coming hundreds of days. Just as Macron snatched victory from the extremist Marine Le Pen, we can only hope that a deus ex machina or legitimate constitutional process of impeachment will oust our unpopular and ignorant President from his many White Houses in New York, New Jersey, Palm Beach, Florida and Washington, DC.
9
He will self destruct within the next several months.
1
The French didn't fall for it because Fox News hasn't destroyed public discourse. Big reason.
33
The French do not fall for it because, at this juncture, they are better educated than Americans and are more used to employing critical thinking.
1
France, a country to visit for sure. A sane and reflective people who understood that the future you make is greater than the past you can't change but from it should learn. Clearly, a voting system where the majority wins and not some antiquated electoral college system. This is a prime example of why we need globalization--We are all smarter and better because of it.
28
Liberty, Equality. Fraternity, hasn't looked this good for them, since the day they stormed The Bastille! I'm singing The Marseille, and I'm an Anglophile!!!
13
More proof that Donald Trump's victory was nothing but a statistical anomaly, a lottery winning for the unhappy people in life. The people of France, like the people of the USA, are intelligent, thoughtful, and looking forward to the lives of their children.
24
Poor Putin - he's out 9 million Euros and the Germans are acutely aware of what he's trying to do with their election. It's a bad day for kleptofascist thugs but a good day for democracy and hope.
26
It seems Trump is the aberration and does not represent the beginning of a nationalistic and populist wave across the world. Even though he claims the mantle of the populist with his America First mantra, he seems hellbent on screwing us over and profit from the office of the Presidency.. He takes us for suckers and we fell for his nonsense. Thank goodness the French didn't.
17
This is the beginning of the end for the extremist right... Trump has a 35 percent approval rating that is in decline... The approval rating for this abhorrent congress is in single digits and, after this tax break for billionaires posing as a healthcare plan... Well, let's just say that I can't wait until we clean this filthy corrupt house in 2018... House and Senate, that is... T
18
Way to go, France!
16
Centrist Emmanuel Macron's victory over the far right leader Marie Le Pen speaks volumes about the maturity of French voters. Despite a perfect storm of recurrent terrorist attacks and high unemployment, the French rejected the cheap rhetoric of reactionary right wing populism. Raise a toast of your favorite delicious Bordeaux to France (plus the EU) and the hope that Macron will govern wisely .
192
The French showed they want the EU, full stop. Wonderful news for the Italians and Greeks. And the banksters too. You want it and now you will own the problem. The boys and girls in the ECB can hit their computer keyboards and start pumping electronic credits without fear. Yes, at some point, the Ponzi scheme is not going to work. Shh, don't tell the sheeple.
3
Vive La France! French bashing is a popular past time in Britain and America. But, France got it right where Britain and America got it wrong. They rejected right-wing, populist, fear-mongering, and embraced progress and civilization.
21
Les Francais chez sens.
Sanity and human decency prevail Vive la France!
15
Macron reminds me of Tony Blair, the master opportunist who swept to power as a socialist and ended up a neocon. I hope Macron truly has a vision for France as a whole and is not simply another Blairite demagogue with a personal agenda.
4
I can't help but think of Madeleine Lebeau, in "Casablanca", as genuine tears run down her face while singing The Marseillaise. Vive la France!
14
Thank you, France. Nice to know there's at least one country that hasn't lost its collective mind.
30
America take note: this is what can happen when the candidate with the most votes wins the election.
314
LOL - Oh, the irony!
1
I'm still marveling at a woman losing an election and her not whining about "misogyny."
With everything going for her, Le Pen still lost by at least 30 points to a political novice. As a French citizen by birth, I would argue that democracy and light have triumphed over authoritarianism and darkness.The Republic endures! Vive le France!
31
A French citizen by birth who writes Vive Le France?! Sheesh....
2
the ukip in the UK just had a pretty bad local elections, with other recent elections in Europe, it may appear that people are waking up to the false promises of nationalists like Trump and Brexit leaders and are being more cautious about who to put in power
7
Sadly, the Tories are still frontrunners.
3
Trump crisis averted in France! Not perhaps the ideal situation, but avoidance of negative populism is far better resulting for safer France and the WORLD (socially and economically). Now we hope that Macron is better equipped than Trump to take on the administration. Congratulations Macron! You got my support.
10
Congratulations to Mr. Macron. And congratulations to the voters in France who rejected the evils of the National Front. But despite its resounding defeat, Ms. Le Pen's party showed a disturbing resilience. The National Front, as the Times' story noted, has a `history of anti-Semitism, racism and Nazi nostalgia.' The real victory will come when a party with that pedigree is spit upon by not just 62 percent, but by all.
8
Le Pen has failed, but her defeat is nothing compared to the historic smackdown the German people are preparing to give the Trumpist/NeoNazi AfD, which has lost one-third of its support in two months and just tanked horribly in Saarland provincial elections.
Much credit is due to France and Germany's superb high schools, which - unlike US schools - are capable of producing fully-formed, responsible adults who know some history and don't fall for the nearest con-man bleating nationalist hatred and urging a return to the great days of the 1930s.
With Betsy DeVos and all that charter/voucher school ridiculousness, the world's most heavily armed banana republic is about to get worse.
Much credit is due to France and Germany's superb high schools, which - unlike US schools - are capable of producing fully-formed, responsible adults who know some history and don't fall for the nearest con-man bleating nationalist hatred and urging a return to the great days of the 1930s.
With Betsy DeVos and all that charter/voucher school ridiculousness, the world's most heavily armed banana republic is about to get worse.
41
Excellent! Now, can we copy their shorter, saner election cycle? Ours is insanity, and the expense favors plutocrats.
33
A woman like Le Pen, with seemingly no compassion for anyone or anything, truly scares me. Her defeat makes me giddy.
19
This is equal to the Battle of the Marne....the French held even from a cyber attack from the Russian while the Trump administration did not assist an ally.
Viva la France. Shame on the US. Alt right and Bannon must go.
Viva la France. Shame on the US. Alt right and Bannon must go.
25
Macron's victory was globalization against nationalism. It was the future versus the past. Open versus closed.
13
I bet the Among the "open " things the French aren't hoping for are borders.
3
France only proved that over half of it's voters are as stupid as the ones that elected the socialist/Marxist Obama twice. Macron will be nothing more than a puppet for the EU puppet masters
2
Just once I'd like to see one of you understand the terms you use to denigrate others. I suppose the rampant corporate socialism we have is OK with you. You might want to some reading about socialism and Marxism before using them together in attempt to criticize President Obama.
27
Like french i prefer an UE puppet to a Putin s puppet.
Liberty
Liberty
10
You can thank your boy Trump for waking up the French into NOT voting for a moron like him. The French actually receive a good education and healthcare from their government and learn how to think critically in order to choose carefully and thoughtfully for true democracy.
3
Many of us would like to trade the French Trump for Macron; our gain and their loss.
2
If its between the granny-chaser and the fascist I'll go with the granny-chaser.
Ah! Pragmatism and Hope won in France. The French were very smart to learn from other people's mistake. Sadly, the other people are us, Americans.
19
french, like everyone else got the govt they deserve
5
The French proletariat are smarter than the American proletariat.
15
Vive La France for rejecting the insanity that has besieged our great nation.
10
France and its population have made two wise choices in the twenty-first century. First, opting out of the tragedy of Bush-Cheney-Rumsfeld's war in Iraq. Second, when faced with the choice between a less than ideal centrist and a fascist, choosing the less than ideal centrist.
If only the U.S. had made the same choices...
If only the U.S. had made the same choices...
16
Now that France has made the world all warm and fuzzy, perhaps the people who were railing against Le Pen's supporters, could focus their energy and attention on the racism and intolerance taking place in the Middle East.
Or will the deafening silence continue?
Or will the deafening silence continue?
France leads the way. Let's hope this is a portent of things to come in our 2020 presidential election. If our electorate could be as sensible as France's. . .
16
This is great news. Now, Mr. Macron, comes the hard part, governing...without disappointing. France has it's work cut out for you.
5
The French people deserve to be congratulated on how the vast majority of its electorate voted on Sunday. The voters overwhelmingly rejected giving in to baser instincts, opting instead to recognize and embrace their better angels. It is such a pity that more of us American voters couldn't have done the same on November 8, 2016. Maybe, just maybe, France taught us something today.
Vive la France Vive le monde!
Vive la France Vive le monde!
17
finally!
a n0 vote for a right-winger.
I'm happy
a n0 vote for a right-winger.
I'm happy
11
Obviously, French voters are smarter than their American counterparts!
19
Now to focus on our own shores. What will it take to make Donald Trump "retire," "withdraw from political life," "resign," or just quit the presidency and go back to his tower? He has already said that it's more work than he thought it would be, that he misses his old life, that he wants to be able to drive a car again. (You can have it all again, Donald, and you've been president! You won the election, as you have told us so many times—you can put that in your next "autobiography"! All you have to do is just let go! But by all means, please take Pence with you. Offer him a nice job, or a mansion and a boat somewhere.)
18
I doubt that Emmanuel Macron will be much of a leader. Certainly he has no experience to show that he can be. He was not a strong campaigner, nor do his ideas seem particularly good. Some of his political operatives were even from the United States. More like selling a brand than a real person.
5
And he's still light years better than Trump.
4
At least he speaks with intelligence instead of fourth grade grammar like Trump.
5
Sanity prevailed, at least for the near term. Now, for the hard work, beginning with the upcoming parliamentary elections, and then onto the crafting of policies that garner popular support, from revising stultifying labor laws to finding ways to more effectively bring the large Muslim minority into mainstream society.
Meanwhile, we toast the French electorate for rejecting the hateful and toxic Front Nationale candidate, although she is certain not to go quietly into the night.
Meanwhile, we toast the French electorate for rejecting the hateful and toxic Front Nationale candidate, although she is certain not to go quietly into the night.
6
Viva La France!! Now who can be the next right wing populist to go?
5
Don't forget Austria. They already ousted their extreme right candidate last year and with the head of a Green party no less!
3
At least one thing was clear: France is not U.S. France was ready to "re-elect" President Obama if it was possible. Imagine! … U.S. elected Trump because he’s White and people hate a "Black" President. What a difference!
6
That's an insane allegation. Obama was NOT running. He was a lame duck, who served the MAXIMUM two terms allowable for all Presidents.
It is amazing how many people seem to think "Trump ran against Obama". HE DID NOT. Trump ran against Hillary. Hillary is an OLD...RICH...WHITE WOMAN.
It is amazing how many people seem to think "Trump ran against Obama". HE DID NOT. Trump ran against Hillary. Hillary is an OLD...RICH...WHITE WOMAN.
3
"Hillary is an OLD…RICH…WHITE WOMAN."
So is Trump.
There's nothing wrong in being old, rich, white, or a woman. It's when you seek to detrimentally affect others with your age, wealth, race and gender that it matters.
So is Trump.
There's nothing wrong in being old, rich, white, or a woman. It's when you seek to detrimentally affect others with your age, wealth, race and gender that it matters.
1
Note who won the border regions. Note the future...
4
little tiny areas....look who won 65% of the vote compared to 35%.....
2
This is hopeful that reasonable and intelligent thinking can win out over the misogynistic semi human boys club at Fox News and their newly crowned queen.
6
Wish the NYT would number these comments like they did a few years ago. So much easier to track the comments.
11
Yes! Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, and that cuisine! Until they need U.S. again! Glad Marcon won, but to many of us, after Napoleon, France hasn't impressed!
1
The French ARE smarter than we Americans. Thank heavens there are still civilized, sentient adult voting populations willing to reject demagogues who pander to base racism, xenophobia, and 19th century notions of national sovereignty.
21
Thank you France. Just like when the US and UK dove into a war in Iraq, or voted Brexit/Trump, the French have firmly rebuked our bad examples.
13
C'est bon!
3
I like that he is 39 and has a partner (wife) 64. Something (also) needed.
9
No mention of congratulations from Trump! He doesn't fit his ideal model of leadership, an autocratic thug the likes of Duterte, Erdogan, Putin. Sad.
9
So, France wisely rejects Vladimir Putin's "Vichy Government" in the form of the National Front. Would that it we could we could say the same here.
13
Bravo! Marianne a vaincu Marine! Bravo. The Marianne of equality
and brotherhood/sisterhood defeated Marine and her fascism.
and brotherhood/sisterhood defeated Marine and her fascism.
4
The fact that a fascist party - a real fascist party - got 35% of the vote is not much of a cause for celebration. Yeah, they lost, but they should only be able to muster 2-5% of the vote, not 35%. 35% for the National Front is the not the sign of a healthy society, not in France, and not in Europe as a whole.
9
Vive la France! À bas les fanatiques! (Pardon my French.)
7
Correct and no trouble.
Congrats
Congrats
3
One simple question, does France tally their votes using a electoral college or popular vote? Just asking.
5
Popular vote.
1
No idea. Every nation does it differently. The USA is far larger than France, and divided into 50 States! which is why we use the Electoral College -- for the last 240 years.
To Concerned citizen : UE have a little more people than USA with 508 millions peoples ...and its popular votes for Ue elections.
Why not for a great nation like USA ?
Why not for a great nation like USA ?
2
It's an illusion to think that this is good news for democracy and civilization. France and Europe are dying demographically. Erdogan has made it pretty clear. Islam wants Europe. And it will get Europe. But the Europe it wants will not exist when the Crescent Moon flies over the Place de la Concorde. Long centuries of sand and ignorance lie ahead. Read Naipaul. Read Gibbon. Read anything. Just don't believe that "history"--Hegel's illusory Geist--is leading us to a golden age of peace and freedom.
5
So we need to bow to Russian and American oligarchs to preserve democracy and civilization?
It is interesting that the People will only be saved from extremely wealthy elites by extremely wealthy elites who will just happen to make billions while saving us from Globalists.
Give us a break.
It is interesting that the People will only be saved from extremely wealthy elites by extremely wealthy elites who will just happen to make billions while saving us from Globalists.
Give us a break.
10
Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité. Vive le France!
8
What.... that's it? It's over?? You mean, they don't toss gruel at each other on a daily basis, for 2+ years, dumbing down both themselves and the entire French population? Doesn't the battle for 2020 start tonight?? Mid-terms?? Nothing?!?
What a novel idea.
What a novel idea.
15
Just beginning if Macron doesn't get it right Le Pen's niece Marion Maréchal-Le Pen has been groomed for years as heir. And now that Marine Le Pen has all but made prejudicial hate speech and targeting a norm, c.f. Trump, something will have to done to make a big difference and soon.
2
Happy to see leftist New York Times readers cheering an Investment Banker.
Another bogie-man bites the dust. Maybe we can now focus on real progress, not symbols.
Another bogie-man bites the dust. Maybe we can now focus on real progress, not symbols.
2
Silly Trump, or crazy, sends congratulatory message to Macron that he would like to meet with Macron and discuss mutual interest. Macron should arrange for a body double. The isn't much an intelligent man as Macron can discuss with a an insufferable Trump suffering mental problems of grandiosity and extreme narcissism. Just be polite.
9
So the French think they are superior... Well, they certainly proved it today! They certainly taught US a lesson today in political intelligence and national self-respect. Perhaps in a year or so we can live up to their example.
So I guess the French really are smarter than the English and Americans...
12
At least we can say that not every nation makes a dumb irresponsible decision when voting for president. Moreover, the toxic Marine Le Pen did in fact concede, something we'll never know whether Duce Trump would have done had he lost.
14
I especially like the turnout--75% and more in all of the districts
17
And yet it was considered a poor turn out in relation to previous elections.
5
Full-throated and absolute. Excellently well done! Vous etes toutes mes amis, les amis de ma patrie! Merci bien.
18
Thanks you
2
Since the US has decided to willingly cede our role as leader and beacon of democratic hope for the world, I'm glad Macron will be up for the job.
17
I am really surprised this election had a lower-than-average turnout. I realize Macron is a bit of an unknown leading a new party, but I would have thought fear of Le Pen would bring out far more people to the polls.
Then again, I also assumed the US election would have a huge turnout because, although many did not warm up to HRC, I thought a significant majority of Americans would want to ensure a vulgar, impulsive non-politician like Trump would not get near the WH. Apparently approximately half didn't care enough to vote. Sad.
Then again, I also assumed the US election would have a huge turnout because, although many did not warm up to HRC, I thought a significant majority of Americans would want to ensure a vulgar, impulsive non-politician like Trump would not get near the WH. Apparently approximately half didn't care enough to vote. Sad.
7
A high rate of abstention, 25.3% of those registered did not vote, means that this is far from a crushing victory by M. Macron. I wish him well, but he faces the enormous task of uniting a very divided country.
I'm so happy that French conservatives were willing to put the good of their country over their party, I wish American republicans were willing to do the same.
23
Expect buyers remorse in France before too long.
You can get 36.7 percent of people to vote for anybody in a two candidate race. The racists in the French far right should not be allowed to paint this result as anything less than a repudiation of their odious policy of divisiveness.
Great. Now we can concentrate on voting our own anti-Semites, racists and neo-Nazis out of office.
24
No one is making French jokes today. Perhaps they will lead us out of this right wing nightmare and find us a peaceful, inclusive, communicative place to live.
16
Dear headline writer:
55%-45% is "decisive."
65%-35% is a "major landslide."
55%-45% is "decisive."
65%-35% is a "major landslide."
10
So the left is cheering an election of the former investment banker as French president. You need to get it right - banksters are either evil or they are not.
4
Finally a modern man, politician and president. in comparison Trump and all the members of his administration would look just like dinosaurs.
16
Macron is both beautiful on the inside and outside--no wonder Trump wanted Le Pen to win, Trump is ugly outside, inside, and at a cellular level. France voters are a million times smarter than the US electorate.
18
"Many of the votes Mr. Macron received on Sunday were no doubt cast not so much in support of him, but in rejection of Ms. Le Pen."
Same as in US. Many of the votes Trump received were cast in rejection of Mrs. Clinton, though the media refuses to see it that way.
And perhaps the French looked at US, saw how a supposed populist morphed into a globalist, and figured why bother.
Same as in US. Many of the votes Trump received were cast in rejection of Mrs. Clinton, though the media refuses to see it that way.
And perhaps the French looked at US, saw how a supposed populist morphed into a globalist, and figured why bother.
10
I know it is ridiculous and indeed hard to compare (Hillary, Le Pen) and (Trump, Macron), but we might be able to figure out something to win a national election.
1
Yes that comparison is indeed ridiculous. You have the teammates mis-matched.
You are the bearer of good news. Very. Good. News.
9
In around 100 days Trump has shown the world what happens when a democracy elects a right-wing, anti-Semitic, white nationalist, isolationist, anti-immigrant and refugee hypocrite. They voted against Le Pen and saved the world from an even worse fate. Thank you, France! Vive la France!! Bon chance Macron.
33
The election results prove one thing:
French voters are smarter than American voters.
French voters are smarter than American voters.
21
That was the easy part for Macron. Now comes the much harder part: dealing with the problems that made a third of the French vote for Le Pen and an overwhelming majority reject the two established parties that actually had governing experience.
Though some of the issues are different, essentially Clinton would have been in much the same position had she been elected. Even as Trump is finding out, elections don't solve problems; it takes governing well to do that.
Though some of the issues are different, essentially Clinton would have been in much the same position had she been elected. Even as Trump is finding out, elections don't solve problems; it takes governing well to do that.
11
Trump and Clinton have the same exact core principles: they only make you think they're different by focusing on trivial issues while they serve corporate interests and oil companies.
1
It's funny, isn't it - there are elements of Trump in both of these candidates. The outsider successful businessman, the alt-right nationalist. Both of these elements are problematic in my view. But one is true poison for a country's soul.
Thankfully France chose the lesser of two evils today.
If only the US had done the same.
Thankfully France chose the lesser of two evils today.
If only the US had done the same.
10
I should have added: it is telling which one of these people (and as an extension which half of himself) Trump supported.
3
Good. But they should realize its not enough to say "Look, we defeated the Nazis!" Macron must strive to improve the lives of all French people, especially those who did not vote for him. I wish him all the luck and let the defeat of these know-nothing populists continue!
10
Macron’s victory sends a decisive message to the world that democracy is not dead. Though the new president faces a bit of a challenge without a true mandate, his margin of victory, however, is still impressive enough for him to govern without great opposition. One of his challenges is dealing with the high unemployment that exists among young people who did not show up for him in great numbers - so job creation should be a huge agenda item for Macron.
The people of France have spoken; and their message is a huge rebuke to nationalism.
The people of France have spoken; and their message is a huge rebuke to nationalism.
9
Uh the election is a victory of democracy. How is the democratic election of any person NOT a victory for democracy? Lol
I don't know about that. When the candidate backed by corporate money, banks, the european union and an extremzly agressive unanimous media campaign (owned by said cororate interests) wins by using the far right as a scarecrow, i am nor sure democracy is in order.
2
I'm happy for France but even sadder that we failed so badly to meet similar challenges and still remain more divided. I wonder if our extreme lack of commitment to the common good has undone us.
11
You don't know that but let me assure you our elections have been every bit as problematic as yours
2
This victory is an indicator that the French people in general are better educated their American counterparts. Critical thinking, not tribal thinking won this election.
16
Glad Macron won. But I hope he won't be another European leader who believes that way out of E.U. troubles is more austerity. The first thing he should do as President of France is invite Paul Krugman in and have a good discussion.
3
Sorry to disappoint but the guys is a former banker and backed by all corporations, wàts to destroy labor laws and accelerate european integration.
The only reason he won is unanimous coporate media support and the fear of fascism
More Austerity to come.
The only reason he won is unanimous coporate media support and the fear of fascism
More Austerity to come.
2
In a country that virtually mandates lifetime employment, reform and austerity are good things indeed!
Jeff--right, we don't know.... Macron's speeches are very general. But France is starting from a different level of social benefits and safety net than the US. If they cut budgets it may not be as crucial to life and well being as cuts in the US.
America has a more Darwinian system that uses the propaganda of 'individualism and freedom from big govt' to hoax the voters and keep profits flowing.
And Krugman is not the person to invite over to advise the French. He uses a good line of anti austerity, but stays with the centrist Dem party line---as long as they're better than the Gop. He never criticized Clinton, he nastily slandered Sanders whose policies are used in many EU nations. His liberal conscience is very pliable.
America has a more Darwinian system that uses the propaganda of 'individualism and freedom from big govt' to hoax the voters and keep profits flowing.
And Krugman is not the person to invite over to advise the French. He uses a good line of anti austerity, but stays with the centrist Dem party line---as long as they're better than the Gop. He never criticized Clinton, he nastily slandered Sanders whose policies are used in many EU nations. His liberal conscience is very pliable.
It's important to note that before the French election, President Trump gave tacit support for a win by Le Pen, calling her “the strongest on borders" and the “toughest on radical Islamic terrorism.” In response to Macron's win, the White House's congratulatory message was notable for its terseness and brevity.
We can only assume that Le Pen's and her followers' blatant racism and bigotry was fine with President Trump as long as she was tough on immigration. Her motivation and her proposed methods didn't matter (just as the Philippines' Duterte's murderous methods don't seem to matter).
This speaks volumes about how President Trump sees immigration to the U.S. and about who he looks to for examples, inspiration and natural alliances.
We can only assume that Le Pen's and her followers' blatant racism and bigotry was fine with President Trump as long as she was tough on immigration. Her motivation and her proposed methods didn't matter (just as the Philippines' Duterte's murderous methods don't seem to matter).
This speaks volumes about how President Trump sees immigration to the U.S. and about who he looks to for examples, inspiration and natural alliances.
15
No offense but i don't think trump even knows where france is or who the hell macron is.
5
Vive La France! Good news ! Finally some common sense ! As a Canadian I welcome this result. Le Pen is a sad pathetique person whose views are seriously outdated. I feel sorry for her that she has to pander to fear. Fear will not win. We here in Canada elected a positive PM. There is hope again!
11
With whom did he meet in the Bahamas?
I think a lot of French people looked at the American President and said, "We're better than that," refused to consider the National Front/racism, and voted for Macron. Macron should send a thank you note to little Donnie. Alas, we Americans ain't so smart.
12
Maybe america is't the center of the world and maybe our election wasn't in any way comparable to yours.
First of all both establishmenet parties lost, and then the guy we reluctantly elected agaisnt the racist far right has vowed to destroy labor laws.
First of all both establishmenet parties lost, and then the guy we reluctantly elected agaisnt the racist far right has vowed to destroy labor laws.
3
Thank you. I wish more French people like you would weigh in this way. I am to Macron's left but I am of course relieved to see Le Pen defeated.
Congratulations to President Macron. And let's hear a collective WHEW!
Americans would do well to avoid facile analogies between voters' motivations in the U.S. and abroad. Currently the American people are under the thumb of a party that is to the right of Marine Le Pen on many, many issues, yet seldom is that party described in this country as "far right extremist." American progressives have harder work to do than Macron does if they hope to change the political culture here.
Americans would do well to avoid facile analogies between voters' motivations in the U.S. and abroad. Currently the American people are under the thumb of a party that is to the right of Marine Le Pen on many, many issues, yet seldom is that party described in this country as "far right extremist." American progressives have harder work to do than Macron does if they hope to change the political culture here.
9
Macron is not a progressist at all he's a former investelent banker and represent big capitalism and wants to attack labor laws. The guy isn't that popular either, 25% didnt vote and 13% castes a blank ballot in spite of the far right candidate.
His actual score was 23-% in the first round which is the lowest ever for a president.
His actual score was 23-% in the first round which is the lowest ever for a president.
2
You are right, and I did not intend to imply that Macron was progressive. I do think that progressives in the U.S. face a long hard fight if they hope to change our political culture. We have an electoral college system which allowed a popular majority vote to be ignored and gave us GW Bush in 2000 and Donald Trump in 2016. And that's just one example.
Over a third of the electorate voting for the Front National is not good news at all (though I admit it is better than some of the other horrendous possibilities).
Apparently, the social conflict between Ignorants and Immigrants is not as acute in France as it is here.
6
We're visiting France this summer and I was dreading what the impact might be had Le Pen won. Despite being American citizens, we are not Caucasian and I wondered if a Le Pen-run country might treat us differently due to our ethnicity, particularly outside of the main cities.
Nevertheless, I am not fully at ease: a third of the country still voted for her. I certainly hope we don't have to repeat history's lesson that extremist , racist, fascist leaders breed violence and hate.
I also think it's cool that a third party candidate who is trying to marry capitalist ideas with socialist values won. If the Dems had given Bernie Sanders a fair shot, they might not have lost the election. I've supported the Dems by default but am looking for a candidate like Bernie who can walk the middle line.....e.g. get rid of the "anchor baby" laws but still allow some type of controlled guest worker program. I don't think I'm the only one.
Nevertheless, I am not fully at ease: a third of the country still voted for her. I certainly hope we don't have to repeat history's lesson that extremist , racist, fascist leaders breed violence and hate.
I also think it's cool that a third party candidate who is trying to marry capitalist ideas with socialist values won. If the Dems had given Bernie Sanders a fair shot, they might not have lost the election. I've supported the Dems by default but am looking for a candidate like Bernie who can walk the middle line.....e.g. get rid of the "anchor baby" laws but still allow some type of controlled guest worker program. I don't think I'm the only one.
4
To those Americans worried about a Far Right minority in France during their visit, they should get some perspective: you in the US are today governed by an administration far to the right of Le Pen.
3
Exactly. But we're a race of mongrel, visceral , and rabid beasts who have lost the capacity to reason. It is why I fled to Europe for the summer only to find myself in the thick of a European version of the Trump election.
Thanks be to God or whatever higher power that this horrible woman didn't win here. I can't afford anymore global travel fleeing ignorance and the demagoguery of the orange oligarch: Trumputin.
Thanks be to God or whatever higher power that this horrible woman didn't win here. I can't afford anymore global travel fleeing ignorance and the demagoguery of the orange oligarch: Trumputin.
ms,
Democrats did give Sanders a fair shot but he lost the primary because more people voted for Clinton. And I didn't know that Sanders doesn't support the idea that if one is born in America that makes them an American, another reason to be happy that he lost. It seems you might be more interested in supporting Republicans.
Democrats did give Sanders a fair shot but he lost the primary because more people voted for Clinton. And I didn't know that Sanders doesn't support the idea that if one is born in America that makes them an American, another reason to be happy that he lost. It seems you might be more interested in supporting Republicans.
A win for sanity!!!
5
A complete outsider from no major party wins the presidency of France but yet we are told that this is a populist movement setback.......
3
Macron did everything right. French voters knew just what they wanted and Macron gave them that.
3
Llucky France. Maybe some people learned what populism looks like - from examining our Trump-afflicted country.
5
Now that the United States has withdrawn from world leadership, Americans must pay more attention to where things are heading in the rest of the world. Who will take over leadership: China? Europe? Russia? the UK? Europe may be the best hope for preserving the values that the US used to promote in its better moments (not saying what it did in its worst moments). The victory of Macron is a small victory for our whole leaderless world.
6
Actually Macron's victory means that Germany will continue to control europe and banks write laws.
We hate the guy but he has big corporate money backing him and used tje far right as an excuse to get elected.
We hate the guy but he has big corporate money backing him and used tje far right as an excuse to get elected.
1
Fortunately, France has no Electoral College
9
Yep but we never really had a choice either. we had to vote for a corporate banker Supoorted by all the media and Ho wa ts to destroy labor laws, because it was either that or a fascist far right idiot.
the electoral college isnt that bad, it prevents smaller states from being overshadowed by bigger ones.
It's just that Hillary was a horrible candidate the DNc screwed up.
the electoral college isnt that bad, it prevents smaller states from being overshadowed by bigger ones.
It's just that Hillary was a horrible candidate the DNc screwed up.
6
Soldano, I've not replied to most of your comments because they were discussing the French campaign, but now you've moved on to commenting about ours. You live in Paris, so presumably if you lived in America it would also be a big city, where the electoral college would discount your vote. Bet that wouldn't make you happy.
1
Thank you France. Finally, an electorate who is not stupid enough to respond to the Russian hacks and the Far Right view that killing globalism will save jobs, and rampant curbing of immigration will stop terrorism.
267
"Finally, an electorate who is not stupid enough to respond to the Russian hacks and the Far Right view that killing globalism will save jobs..."
I'd say, Lau, you are to the Times moderators what Macron was to French voters: give them what they want to hear, you will be rewarded for it.
I'd say, Lau, you are to the Times moderators what Macron was to French voters: give them what they want to hear, you will be rewarded for it.
You want people to ignore information if it was hacked?
So if Macron admits that ALL the info is legit, then people shouldn't ignore it?
This logic is hilarious
So if Macron admits that ALL the info is legit, then people shouldn't ignore it?
This logic is hilarious
1
Au Revoir Le Pen. Au Revoir Trump.
3
If only we could have a very limited window of campaigning and a press blackout prior to an election. We need international monitoring and voting on a sunday for thise who cannot vote early. At least Europe recalls what wresting itself away from fascism can do to keep itself free. We have our work cut out for ourselves. Too complacent it would seem. The globalists are here and want to tear down peaceful progressive agendas. It is bad for actuarial business. Well, also peace is bad for business as well.
Don't read too much into this.
Macron was backed by all the press and corporate interests who agressively campaigned in his favor and influenced the vote by agressively vilifying the other 3 main candidates. This wasnt ever a choice, they forced us to vote for the guy "or else" fascists will be back...
Macron was backed by all the press and corporate interests who agressively campaigned in his favor and influenced the vote by agressively vilifying the other 3 main candidates. This wasnt ever a choice, they forced us to vote for the guy "or else" fascists will be back...
4
The good news is, the candidate of division and hatred has been defeated. The bad news is that the ideology of division and hatred remain far too strong. Defeating the latter will take more than an election.
5
So, voters who are concerned about immigration, their loss of status, and unsure of their future do not need to choose hate, fear, and vitriol; they do not need to succumb to their basest instincts and lash out in racist and xenophobic ways; that they can trust in their democracy and not seek succor in a fascist fearmonger.
Thank you France, this country's oldest ally, for showing us a better way. Vive la France!
Thank you France, this country's oldest ally, for showing us a better way. Vive la France!
9
A little oversimplified...
We just elected a guy we hate and want to destroy our labor laws, backed by corporate interests, in order to stop a fascist party from taking over.
That doesnt sound too good to me.
We just elected a guy we hate and want to destroy our labor laws, backed by corporate interests, in order to stop a fascist party from taking over.
That doesnt sound too good to me.
2
"So, voters who are concerned about immigration, their loss of status, and unsure of their future do not need to . . .."
We don't know that yet. They may have all their fears confirm about immigration, status, and their own future. Now Macron must deliver, or their worst fears would be confirmed. And he is still an investment banker who was economic minister of the current failed government.
We don't know that yet. They may have all their fears confirm about immigration, status, and their own future. Now Macron must deliver, or their worst fears would be confirmed. And he is still an investment banker who was economic minister of the current failed government.
4
The French proved that they are wiser than us stupid Americans.
8
SP I am disagree with you. Dont be like french people against themself...US citizens arent stupid but very strong. Your country is very great, like your democracy and your people voted massively against Trump.
Your electoral system perhaps so many old...and, why not, need more modernity, some washing by your Congress ?...
French people and all the civilised world needs a US nation proud, great and confiant in the future for our partnership in business, security...
We french trust you like an old friend (since more 200 years and our both revolutions)
So you can trust in yourself if even french trust you...is it ?
Your electoral system perhaps so many old...and, why not, need more modernity, some washing by your Congress ?...
French people and all the civilised world needs a US nation proud, great and confiant in the future for our partnership in business, security...
We french trust you like an old friend (since more 200 years and our both revolutions)
So you can trust in yourself if even french trust you...is it ?
1
Le Ballot is mightier than Le Pen
18
Perfect!
2
So, after Gert Wilders was beaten in The Netherlands and now LePen in France
seems the United States is now the world leader in hatred, racism, xenophobia and ill-informed, undereducated voters... maybe instead of reading leaflets on the KKK and the NRA, they should pick up Dickens, Steinbeck, Hemingway, and the like.
seems the United States is now the world leader in hatred, racism, xenophobia and ill-informed, undereducated voters... maybe instead of reading leaflets on the KKK and the NRA, they should pick up Dickens, Steinbeck, Hemingway, and the like.
30
To put things in perspective, as far-right as Le Pen is, she said she would not push for laws restricting reproductive choice, and promised to uphold the separation of church and state.
To me that says a lot about the political situation in the United States.
To me that says a lot about the political situation in the United States.
15
It's not that simple not everything can be compared on a left-right scale.
Trump got in for a lot reasons not a populist wave. One is the machinations of the electoral college. But the biggest was the inept campaign run by the unappealing candidate of the Democratic party.
7
oh and let's not forget the political support of the near entire GOP
1
Never have I been so elated at an European election result. Seems as though the French now have every reason to feel superior to us.
8
We just basically sacrificed our la or rights to prevent the far right. I wouldnt exactly call that a victory...
1
Le Pen is not mightier than Le Sword.
8
I'm not entirely sure that whether in the United States or France that the center-left or center-right has the capacity to govern. To claim that M. Macron, an ENA graduate, a Boy's Club if ever there was one, is in some way an outsider, a maverick, strains credulity. At some fundamental level M. Macron's policy prescriptions will emerge from some theory of political economy. That's the rub. I think that's the crapshoot now. I'm not sure that mainstream theory (call it what you will, a neoliberalism or a neoclassical economics, has kept up with the times. It's seems a bit long in the tooth, even anachronistic in the aftermath of the Financial Crisis, and seems very well formulated to describe the world of 30-70 years ago and not today.
3
Only 16% of his voters voted for his program. The others voted againstLe Pen.
Macron is backed by al' major corporations and banks is looking like the antichrist to the weakest, lich that 39% of voters didnt vote today.
Macron is backed by al' major corporations and banks is looking like the antichrist to the weakest, lich that 39% of voters didnt vote today.
4
Soladano, wait and see whom he chooses to govern with him. Getting elected is one thing with its own game plan and governance by coalition is another. Macron is not about to paint himself into a corner for the next five years.
I am happy for the french people who eventually was smart enough to vote for a candidate offering more hopes than fears. I guess that Trump and his friend Putin are disappointed for the results because this demonstrate that the majority of voters are still capable of some critical thinking. I cannot wait for the next US elections.
2
Macron's first reform will be to dismantle labor laws.
So much for hopes...
So much for hopes...
2
Grâce á Dieu. That's one western democracy that rejects the notion that the solution to our "crisis" is fascism and not a better managed and executed version of what has gotten us so far, so fast since 1945. To compare today's economic conditions to the early 1930s is disingenuous to put it mildly. Hopefully, the US will quickly realize that it's proposed policies will only serve to further undermine the economy and choke off innovation. In France the economic model is very different. Unfortunately, neither candidate was prescribing the strong medicine of labor deregulation and multilingualism, to name just two of the changes needed, to unlock France's true potential. Even more frustrating for economists is the fact that these changes and more are forty years overdue. I hope that unlike the US, France never has to actually take the "phony solution" of fascism for a test drive to find out how duplicitous it is in reality.
3
I wouldnt compare France to the US the situation is wildly different. Hillary clinton was a repulsive candidate and trump didn't win as much as the DNC screwed up.
Also Macron is a former banker, plans of attaxking labor rules tat her stule and is wildly disliked, only 40% thinks he's trustworthy.
Also Macron is a former banker, plans of attaxking labor rules tat her stule and is wildly disliked, only 40% thinks he's trustworthy.
4
Those comparing the French election to our election this past November should keep in mind that neither of the two final candidates in France was as foul as the base and corrupt Donald Trump or the duplicitous and corrupt Hillary Clinton.
The French, wisely, sent their corrupt and crackpot candidates (Fillon and Melanchon) packing in the election two weeks ago. We, somehow, decided to pit our two worst candidates against each other.
With apologies to Commodore Perry, 'We have met the enemy and they are (us).'
The French, wisely, sent their corrupt and crackpot candidates (Fillon and Melanchon) packing in the election two weeks ago. We, somehow, decided to pit our two worst candidates against each other.
With apologies to Commodore Perry, 'We have met the enemy and they are (us).'
2
Perhaps but its not perfect like everybody...Fillon is a shame for our democracy. Soon in jail i hope.
Melznchon is litterally the least corrupt politician ever and hés an outsider much like bernie sanders. He scored 19% in an historic turn of events and crushed the ruling socialist party (francois hollandés) who ended uo with 6%
you don't know what you're talking about
you don't know what you're talking about
1
Oh give it a rest. There is zero evidence of corruption on Hillary's part.
1
Viva la Libertie!
Centrist? He's an investment banker who championed laws to reduce protections for workers. He's Paul Ryan with a better haircut.
12
I would like to remind the readers of the NYT and also online that they do not represent the majority, but are the elite without knowledge of cleaning toilets picking up your garbage or running electric wires. These elections show our failure to provide a society that values work over financial manipulations, an ivy league education or just looking good.
5
It is important to also remember Do NOt Elect Fascists, evn if the alternative is icky. The USA failed that one. Holland and France passed. I'm sure Macron will be nothing special
I did clean toilets and motel rooms. How dare you tell me who I am or who the French are and what they value. How dare you assume that my neighbor, who runs electrical wires, does not read the NYT!
9
TR Carr, I'm a regular NYT reader. I cleaned toilets for years; never ran an electric wire, but I can and still do rewire my lamps.
fair enough, there's a huge gaping chasm in our society we need to fix, but you don't do it by generalizations like this.
fair enough, there's a huge gaping chasm in our society we need to fix, but you don't do it by generalizations like this.
The French once more demonstrate an ability to come together around a sane,
Today is the day to say outloud: Vive la France.
Today is the day to say outloud: Vive la France.
5
That was the easy part for Macron. Now comes the much harder part: dealing with the problems that made a third of the French vote for Le Pen and an overwhelming majority reject the two established parties that actually had governing experience.
Though some of the issues are different, essentially Clinton would have been in much the same position had she been elected. Even as Trump is finding out, elections don't solve problems; it takes governing well to do that.
Though some of the issues are different, essentially Clinton would have been in much the same position had she been elected. Even as Trump is finding out, elections don't solve problems; it takes governing well to do that.
3
France will now continue to go downhill on the same path that it had been traveling. It's only a matter of time before the people will finally have had enough!
5
For those celebrating a Le Pen loss and equating it to Brexit or Trump miss the point. Neither the Trukp election nor Brexit were signs of racism becoming popular though it is undoubted that racists found common cause. A lot of British Asians supported Brexit for reasons nothing to do with race - nakedly overwhelmed social services, schools etc. and Trunp's reflection was on the basis of economic populism and yes, following the law of the land in immigration, neither of which can be considered particularly racist, though racists undoubtedly support the latter.
In the case of France, the National Front has a negative connotation from the past, something it cannot live down. It is also clear that France is comfortable in Europe the way Britain never was, but this isn't a win for the establishment either. The real test will be now.
In the case of France, the National Front has a negative connotation from the past, something it cannot live down. It is also clear that France is comfortable in Europe the way Britain never was, but this isn't a win for the establishment either. The real test will be now.
1
One can intellectually understand Trump's appeal but still acknowledge a huge part of his support was people who just never could deal with Obama being president
3
Tom. I don't understand how you can say this. Many people voted for Obama twice and then voted for trump. They weren't/aren't racists. He didn't deliver. He was given 8 years to help the average American and didn't really deliver. They didn't think Clinton would either. Now trump, at least for the foreseeable future, will be able to screw them again. The average American is tired of hearing about taking care of illegal aliens, how nothing can be done about job losses and that open borders will solve all the problems.
It is, of course, great news that the right-winger lost and lost bigly.
But I keep hearing that Macron is pro-business or business-friendly. For the sake of the French people, I sure hope that means something totally different in France than it does here in the US. Here "business-friendly" means citizen-unfriendly; we have forty years of evidence of that. Hopefully the French have learned from our mistakes.
But I keep hearing that Macron is pro-business or business-friendly. For the sake of the French people, I sure hope that means something totally different in France than it does here in the US. Here "business-friendly" means citizen-unfriendly; we have forty years of evidence of that. Hopefully the French have learned from our mistakes.
5
From what I understand, barring extreme right candidates like Le Pen, right-wing, business-friendly candidates in Europe are equivalent to moderates in the US or even a bit left-of-center. Even "conservative"
candidates will not oppose national healthcare like we have here in the US. Also, remember the French have a saying that in the unlike the US, the people don't fear the government, instead the government fears the people.
candidates will not oppose national healthcare like we have here in the US. Also, remember the French have a saying that in the unlike the US, the people don't fear the government, instead the government fears the people.
A former investment banker backed by al' major corporations and the media, and whose first priority is to make labor laws more flexible and block unions...
Although he won today by rejection of the far right, Macron is wildly unpopular and his score should be mitigated by the historically low turnout.
It's NOT looking so good.
Although he won today by rejection of the far right, Macron is wildly unpopular and his score should be mitigated by the historically low turnout.
It's NOT looking so good.
3
Viva La France! great to see a country reject Trumpian politics.
3
French have just voted themselves to be a province of Deutsche Bundesbank Das Banken und Finanzsystem, a good reason to have a banker for president. Unfortunately, their high youth unemployment will continue and their excessive social-fiscal policies will only draw Germany closer. Two wars and nothing learnt.
2
Yep. We tried everything to avoid this banker but he was backed by big corporations and all the media demicracy nzvzr stood a chance.
His actual score is avtually pretty low and the turnout today was at an historical low.
His actual score is avtually pretty low and the turnout today was at an historical low.
2
They learned from our experience and didn't have a Comey equivalent.
4
There is litterally no comparison between your horrible establishement candidates and our situation.
Imagine if the GoP and tye DNC both disapeared the night of the election and some completely unkown newcomer won ? That's it. But i wouldnt brag about it, Macron is backed by corporations banks and the mainstream media. He's just a new face for an old world.
Imagine if the GoP and tye DNC both disapeared the night of the election and some completely unkown newcomer won ? That's it. But i wouldnt brag about it, Macron is backed by corporations banks and the mainstream media. He's just a new face for an old world.
2
Thank you, French voters. As an electorate - as parents, brothers, sisters, citizens - you have experienced barbaric attacks on your institutions and beliefs over the past two-plus years. Your rejection of isolation and tribalism is a light in what seems to be a darkening world.
6
Thankfully, French people are not as racist or as stupid as americans. WE'RE NUMBER ONE!
4
As I wrote yesterday regarding the French election, I could not predict the outcome and awaited the voting to learn which way the pendulum is swinging, left or right. Apparently the sophisticated better educated and mature society of France learned a valuable lesson from America's decline into hatred and anger.
The Trump mistake taught France well. They are good students.
The Trump mistake taught France well. They are good students.
2
It's too early to be sure, but it seems likely the hack, probably of Russian origin, turned off the French electorate and increased Macron's vote.
Hopefully, the French experience will inspire patriotic Republicans to accept the obvious, that Moscow's intervention in the French election is further proof that the Kremlin is guilty of trying to rig the U.S. Presidential election, President Trump's weird denial of the truth notwithstanding.
Congressional Republicans appear complicit in the White House effort to cover up Russian interference in the November 2016 election. Devon Nunes played footsy with the White House by attempting to divert his committee from investigating whether the Trump campaign had colluded with the Kremlin. Another, Jason Chaffetz, who had previously asked a tough question of the White House, appears to have been intimidated ight out of his seat in Congress. Otherwise, Chaffetz's decision to leave Congress overnight makes no sense.
Hopefully, the French experience will inspire patriotic Republicans to accept the obvious, that Moscow's intervention in the French election is further proof that the Kremlin is guilty of trying to rig the U.S. Presidential election, President Trump's weird denial of the truth notwithstanding.
Congressional Republicans appear complicit in the White House effort to cover up Russian interference in the November 2016 election. Devon Nunes played footsy with the White House by attempting to divert his committee from investigating whether the Trump campaign had colluded with the Kremlin. Another, Jason Chaffetz, who had previously asked a tough question of the White House, appears to have been intimidated ight out of his seat in Congress. Otherwise, Chaffetz's decision to leave Congress overnight makes no sense.
2
Dont try to make the french sound like americans and their obsession with russia. The hack was mostly regarded as not being serious and i doubt it had any influence at all since people didn't vite for macron but rather against le pen and her racist vision.
1
Viva La France!!!!
A much smarter electorate than our own sadly :(
A much smarter electorate than our own sadly :(
3
After his big win here in the United States, it's good to see Vladimir Putin's reach can't quite make it to his own backyard.
Or maybe the average French voter is smarter than his American counterpart. ...
Or maybe the average French voter is smarter than his American counterpart. ...
5
The hackers rusos and wikilieks they could not manipulate the French intention to vote, thanks to the government, the French intelligence services and the press, because they knew what happened in the United States.
This means that Trump will not have second term
This means that Trump will not have second term
1
In my numerous wanderings around France, I saw often in cities and villages, large and small, plaques with the names of the resistance fighters executed in those same spots. The French people could not have forgotten the suffering and the courage that took to overcome the Nazis, by electing a Fascist, no matter how sleek she looks. Vivre la France!
Josefina Alvarez
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Josefina Alvarez
Santa Fe, New Mexico
14
Vive la République !
9
Perfect
Oh boy! The New York Times along with the liberal media can’t see the truth even if it stares right in its face.
You may call this a rejection of the far right. The reality this is a rejection of the far liberal LEFT that has ruined France. Emmanuel Macron, like Trump, is a businessman. Emmanuel also stated that “He would strengthen border security by hiring 5,000 more border guards…” and Macron like Trump is not a career politician. For socialist France to elect a businessman is a huge change.
You may call this a rejection of the far right. The reality this is a rejection of the far liberal LEFT that has ruined France. Emmanuel Macron, like Trump, is a businessman. Emmanuel also stated that “He would strengthen border security by hiring 5,000 more border guards…” and Macron like Trump is not a career politician. For socialist France to elect a businessman is a huge change.
2
Oh Boy!
Macron spent a few years as a banker, but then weent back to being a public servant. He attended the ENA, which is the school for highest office public servants in France (I think probably every single French president of the fifth republic except Sarkozy attended that school) etc. etc. Don't totally disagree with diagnosis on the French left, but please do not compare our new president with yours.
Macron talks about brotherhood and inclusiveness and integration and hard work (hard work, like reading one's files and learning what one doesn't know.... He doesn't "wing it"......). His slogan was France together as opposed to get the rapist drugdealing mexicans out, and look at my African-American out there. And it's not because he wants police and border guards that he's planning to build a wall....
Macron was not a career politician, but he's a public servant. Your president was/is a businessman, and unlike Mr. Macron, Mr. Trump had the backing of the near entire GOP, right until the end, so.... And if we absolutely must point out further dissimilarities: Your president's latest wife is 20 something years younger than him, whilst our President's wife is 26 years older.... Finally, one of the first things he announced tonight was his intention to push for ethics in government and politics.
So let's not err and mistake them for twins, shall we?
Macron spent a few years as a banker, but then weent back to being a public servant. He attended the ENA, which is the school for highest office public servants in France (I think probably every single French president of the fifth republic except Sarkozy attended that school) etc. etc. Don't totally disagree with diagnosis on the French left, but please do not compare our new president with yours.
Macron talks about brotherhood and inclusiveness and integration and hard work (hard work, like reading one's files and learning what one doesn't know.... He doesn't "wing it"......). His slogan was France together as opposed to get the rapist drugdealing mexicans out, and look at my African-American out there. And it's not because he wants police and border guards that he's planning to build a wall....
Macron was not a career politician, but he's a public servant. Your president was/is a businessman, and unlike Mr. Macron, Mr. Trump had the backing of the near entire GOP, right until the end, so.... And if we absolutely must point out further dissimilarities: Your president's latest wife is 20 something years younger than him, whilst our President's wife is 26 years older.... Finally, one of the first things he announced tonight was his intention to push for ethics in government and politics.
So let's not err and mistake them for twins, shall we?
6
Kinda makes you think....what did the French get that we did not?
Public education in the western democracies (ex US) is considered just important to the security and well-being of the nation as other priorities...it is not considered a poor cousin and it is not as viciously attacked as it is in this country...
The Germans should follow the French example and not us.
Public education in the western democracies (ex US) is considered just important to the security and well-being of the nation as other priorities...it is not considered a poor cousin and it is not as viciously attacked as it is in this country...
The Germans should follow the French example and not us.
4
The French are far wiser than Americans. Although many French citizens are angry and feel left behind, the majority understand that Le Pen is not the answer. They voted for the overall good of the country!
Thank you. May this be the dividing line between regressive choices (Brexit & trump) and a positive, forward movement.
Thank you. May this be the dividing line between regressive choices (Brexit & trump) and a positive, forward movement.
11
The French election underlines that Trump only won because he was an outsider in a time when people wanted change. The Austrian, Dutch and now French elections show that there is no populist movement sweeping Europe. Trump didn't win our popular vote either, and he is barely above 40% in current polls, worse than any President ever at this time in his tenure. The world is not going insane (except for maybe House Republicans) and I appreciate voters everywhere who are choosing hope over fear.
357
I was relieved to see him win. Mainly because there was a trend to break apart the EU influenced by the leaders of Russia, US, Turkey, UK, Israel and Saudi Arabia. The EU has to stay together because divided it will fall and be vulnerable to outsiders as mentioned above via econcomic pressure. We see this with the Saudis, the US, Israel, Turkey etc, wanting immigrants to swamp the EU and therefore causing the citizens of the EU to fight each other, playing in the hands of above mentioned countries. The same who contribute the to the wars in the middle east. Can anyone see the connection?
Trump won for many reasons, one being simply that he is a large, very aggressive male running against "grandma." Half our electorate are simpletons who don't even know why they voted for him.
Macron is definitely a chess master : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nA7yBXM6rnc
1
Unlike the surprise opportunistic populism of Trump, or the traditional Tory Theresa May buoyed by a populism that is in the air, it is interesting that the real deal charismatic Marine Le Pen, nurtured in her father's long established populist Far-Right party, did not ride the surge of the current populist wave.
5
Just anticipating the Trump/Fox News/Alex Jones response to this outcome: Obama meddled in the French election! It's an outrage!
9
Le Pens percentage of voters seem to mimic that percent of people that support trump here in the USA.
I love France.
I love the French.
As a human being, I'm so proud of them.
(When I look at ourselves I just want to cry.)
I love the French.
As a human being, I'm so proud of them.
(When I look at ourselves I just want to cry.)
15
The visible decline of so many historic city centers is intertwined with these anxieties. Losing the ancient French provincial capital is another blow to Frenchness — tangible evidence of a disappearing way of life that resonates in France in the same way that the hollowing out of main streets did in the United States decades ago. A survey of French towns found that commercial vacancies have almost doubled to 10.4 percent in the past 15 years. As these towns have declined, voters have often turned sharply rightward. Albi is traditionally centrist, but the same conditions of decline and political anxiety are present, too.
http://napoleonlive.info/politics/la-belle-france/
http://napoleonlive.info/politics/la-belle-france/
1
There may indeed be a "populist wave" moving through the Western democracies, but the French election result wasn't really about populism.
Marine Le Pen isn't a "populist." She and her cohort are xenophobes and racists who co-opted fears about over-immigration to try to seize power.
Many French are concerned about the security and economic implications of France's immigration policies, but that doesn't mean they're racists and bigots. Le Pen and her core followers, on the other hand, ARE racists and bigots. They tried to sell themselves as a reasonable alternative, but the deception failed when Le Pen couldn't maintain the disguise. The French may be passionate, but they're not gullible.
Marine Le Pen isn't a "populist." She and her cohort are xenophobes and racists who co-opted fears about over-immigration to try to seize power.
Many French are concerned about the security and economic implications of France's immigration policies, but that doesn't mean they're racists and bigots. Le Pen and her core followers, on the other hand, ARE racists and bigots. They tried to sell themselves as a reasonable alternative, but the deception failed when Le Pen couldn't maintain the disguise. The French may be passionate, but they're not gullible.
200
Absolutely correct, and I posted my comment just before reading yours.
Exactly. Many are gullible, to be fair, but enough are not that the day was saved.
Yes, and we need a clarification of the world populist in our media. Is it just anyone who is against the establishment?
In a country like the US with wide economic inequality and less protection of civil liberties for racial minorities, we need another word for those working to regain American ideals for the citizen majority that's losing out to the special interests.
Are US populists 'deplorable' or admirable?
In a country like the US with wide economic inequality and less protection of civil liberties for racial minorities, we need another word for those working to regain American ideals for the citizen majority that's losing out to the special interests.
Are US populists 'deplorable' or admirable?
The fact that the vote was a wipe out for Le Pen makes this extra sweet. She can put her broom down and she was soundly rejected. It's a victory against putin and the far right nationalists. I'm so pleased for the EU and the people of Europe. Via la Françoise !!!
17
There are only scattered parts of the country where she had a majority.
Phew. At least some countries are still sane.
18
Oh no! I just heard she won the French Electoral College.
23
France, Holland, Austria, UK voters rejected their extreme rw, while the US elected its extreme rw. Pourquoi?
Europeans aren’t bombarded across their countries with a dominant rw media propaganda monopoly like Fox News and Breitbart. And why not?
One reason is their media doesn't rake in huge profits like ours from political ads paid for by billionaire donors to politicians over protracted campaigns. And why not?
Because the French don't allow privately paid campaign ads. They use free media time regulated for all candidates to give equal exposure for their platforms. Thus voters can better compare proposals.
They don't believe in turning their elections over to the corporate elites.
They set aside public funds for basic campaign expenses for all candidates, and limit private donation amounts.
Does this sound 'revolutionary' to Americans besieged by paid campaign advertising for years? The current US president is actually running ads even now to manipulate pubic opinion in his favor.
Also France has a tradition of public marches against disliked govt policy. The US middle class should be marching against the reduction of economic mobility and the destruction of our health care. But traditionally in USA, most m. class wouldn’t be caught dead marching in the streets. It reduces their social status.
Vive La France---a positive role model for protecting democracy, not selling it off to the highest bidder using a phony definition of 'Freedom'.
Europeans aren’t bombarded across their countries with a dominant rw media propaganda monopoly like Fox News and Breitbart. And why not?
One reason is their media doesn't rake in huge profits like ours from political ads paid for by billionaire donors to politicians over protracted campaigns. And why not?
Because the French don't allow privately paid campaign ads. They use free media time regulated for all candidates to give equal exposure for their platforms. Thus voters can better compare proposals.
They don't believe in turning their elections over to the corporate elites.
They set aside public funds for basic campaign expenses for all candidates, and limit private donation amounts.
Does this sound 'revolutionary' to Americans besieged by paid campaign advertising for years? The current US president is actually running ads even now to manipulate pubic opinion in his favor.
Also France has a tradition of public marches against disliked govt policy. The US middle class should be marching against the reduction of economic mobility and the destruction of our health care. But traditionally in USA, most m. class wouldn’t be caught dead marching in the streets. It reduces their social status.
Vive La France---a positive role model for protecting democracy, not selling it off to the highest bidder using a phony definition of 'Freedom'.
41
In the US, many middle class folks still believe they are closer to the billionaire class than to the poor. Thus their lack of solidarity. It's a brain dead proposition, of course - but that is what they believe.
Quick addendum to the second paragraph: Macron will not just be the youngest president of the Fifth Republic (i.e. since 1958), but actually the youngest ever in the history of the French Republic, going back all the way to 1789.
(Also, he will be the youngest democratically elected head of state currently in office worldwide.)
(Also, he will be the youngest democratically elected head of state currently in office worldwide.)
12
Thank you, our American friends, for all the nice thoughts.
I'm 61 and for the first time in many many years, I feel proud to be French tonight.
As our new president just said, there is a lot of hard work ahead, and we have better chances to succeed if we keep in mind and apply everyday one of the most beautiful concepts in life: fraternité. No need to translate.
I'm confident that the US will soon return to more fraternity in the White House and that we'll be able again to build a better world, together.
En marche ! Ensemble. (Onwards! Together.)
I'm 61 and for the first time in many many years, I feel proud to be French tonight.
As our new president just said, there is a lot of hard work ahead, and we have better chances to succeed if we keep in mind and apply everyday one of the most beautiful concepts in life: fraternité. No need to translate.
I'm confident that the US will soon return to more fraternity in the White House and that we'll be able again to build a better world, together.
En marche ! Ensemble. (Onwards! Together.)
44
Congratulations on making the right choice. Just make room! Some of us are polishing up on our high school and college French.
4
Be aware. Just like here, the French didn't vote for open borders.
Thank God for the French.
And not just on the vote. More so on an electoral system (universal suffrage, 2 rounds, no EC), an education system that prizes critical thinking (yes, they read Kant in high school), a social system (healthcare just like Trump promised), and that is just a start.
That said, globalization and immigration remain the raw issues of the day. I love my Morrocan blueberries in February and the cheap services of my Polish cleaning lady. But I hate that my job can be done half as well by a Romanian or an Indian at a quarter of the cost. Without my job, I can't buy those blueberries nor pay for cleaning services. Nor can I pay for all the great social services we get here (Belgium is similar to France in this respect; from parental leave and pre K crèches for babies so that Mom can get back to work, to $2000 tuition at top class universities when the kids grow up, and lot's of help in between).
So what gives, Monsieur le Président, when I lose my job?
I am thrilled that you have been elected rather than that beast of Le Pen. But I don't have the answer to that question. I hope you do.
And not just on the vote. More so on an electoral system (universal suffrage, 2 rounds, no EC), an education system that prizes critical thinking (yes, they read Kant in high school), a social system (healthcare just like Trump promised), and that is just a start.
That said, globalization and immigration remain the raw issues of the day. I love my Morrocan blueberries in February and the cheap services of my Polish cleaning lady. But I hate that my job can be done half as well by a Romanian or an Indian at a quarter of the cost. Without my job, I can't buy those blueberries nor pay for cleaning services. Nor can I pay for all the great social services we get here (Belgium is similar to France in this respect; from parental leave and pre K crèches for babies so that Mom can get back to work, to $2000 tuition at top class universities when the kids grow up, and lot's of help in between).
So what gives, Monsieur le Président, when I lose my job?
I am thrilled that you have been elected rather than that beast of Le Pen. But I don't have the answer to that question. I hope you do.
10
In this lead article on the election, why do you cover Le Pen's concession speech but not Macron's victory speech? No wonder Trump won in the US.
4
According to the NY Times, Macron's platform includes:
* Strengthening border security with 5,000 new border guards
* Faster processing of asylum seekers to expedite removal of those who are denied; Move to a merit-based immigration system
* Cuts in public spending
* Tax cuts for individuals and businesses
* Loosening of employers’ restrictions on firing employees
* Hiring 10,000 new policemen and expanding prison for 15,000 more prisoners as well a continued state of emergency to fight terrorists
The fact that liberals are cheering Macron’s election is evidence of just how far right the political center has moved.
* Strengthening border security with 5,000 new border guards
* Faster processing of asylum seekers to expedite removal of those who are denied; Move to a merit-based immigration system
* Cuts in public spending
* Tax cuts for individuals and businesses
* Loosening of employers’ restrictions on firing employees
* Hiring 10,000 new policemen and expanding prison for 15,000 more prisoners as well a continued state of emergency to fight terrorists
The fact that liberals are cheering Macron’s election is evidence of just how far right the political center has moved.
8
Obviously, the people of France have learned from our mistakes and decided not to follow in our footsteps. They will continue to work for an open society. I'm afraid in the U.S., our darkest days are ahead...
13
Macron of France and Merkel of Germany will now lead Europe and, in fact, the free world.
Congratulations, France.
Now let's all hope this young leader is open-minded, logical, dignified, and compassionate, ... and is astute at judging the qualifications of his potential staff, is able to delegate, is immune to corruption, and will listen to both his own people and the leaders of other countries ... unlike our own sitting president.
Now let's all hope this young leader is open-minded, logical, dignified, and compassionate, ... and is astute at judging the qualifications of his potential staff, is able to delegate, is immune to corruption, and will listen to both his own people and the leaders of other countries ... unlike our own sitting president.
What would be interesting would be a map showing where most immigrants are located in France and then superimpose that map on top of the one shown for this article. I wonder if Le Pen carried those areas where most of the immigrants are located?
4
Sorry for my english, but Bretagne is where the migrants are very few and this area/region had voted for Macron. "The ignoramus asserts, the learned doubt, the wise person thinks."
1
Mmmm... as always, it's more complicated that that. The geographical distribution of votes for Le Pen is probably more related to locations with a high percentage of second- or third-generation Muslims (i.e., not immigrants) than anything else. However, it is very difficult to prove that connection without entering a dangerous zone (both dialectical and physically).
1
Fortunately, the French learned not to follow the stupid Americans! Now we just have to get rid of our fascists Trumpet and masochistic sadistic heartless Republican'ts.
8
Congratulations to the France! You, I truly hope, have turned the tide on this globe that Great Britain and the United States have been riding and are rejecting hate, bigotry and Populism.
10
One more election where the French have staved off Le Pen. Another round of terrorism, a currency that cannot depreciate, automation, immigration and outsourcing, and the French will be asked again Are you better off now than x years ago? En marche....
3
Relieved our dear ally defeated fascist Le Pen!
Tragic that we could not foil our own nationalist idiot, now enabled by a complicit GOP Congress. Bartholdi's enlightened statue still weeps for us.
Tragic that we could not foil our own nationalist idiot, now enabled by a complicit GOP Congress. Bartholdi's enlightened statue still weeps for us.
11
I learned a few things---
Betting markets ultimately took Mr. Macron way up to 98% of a chance to win.
The euro already rose by almost 2%---they are referring to it as a 7 month high against the dollar.
Britain is relieved.
Ads in France featured Ms. Le Pen's hair on Mr. Trump's face.
Ms. Le Pen got outed as a plagiarist---on May 2nd she admitted stealing sections of a major speech she delivered at a rally a day earlier from an address given by conservative Francois Fillon, who didn't make the cut at the May 7 runoff.
There was a lot of anger/accusations that followed.
And finally, this election is a set back for divisive, aggressive nationalists.
Betting markets ultimately took Mr. Macron way up to 98% of a chance to win.
The euro already rose by almost 2%---they are referring to it as a 7 month high against the dollar.
Britain is relieved.
Ads in France featured Ms. Le Pen's hair on Mr. Trump's face.
Ms. Le Pen got outed as a plagiarist---on May 2nd she admitted stealing sections of a major speech she delivered at a rally a day earlier from an address given by conservative Francois Fillon, who didn't make the cut at the May 7 runoff.
There was a lot of anger/accusations that followed.
And finally, this election is a set back for divisive, aggressive nationalists.
8
I was very afraid of France falling under the hands of Le Pen. There is still hope and we all have to work for a better world. We must continue and back democratic regimes, not those of Putin and Trump.
13
I guess we Americans have a lot to learn about not going backwards as a nation.
13
Vive la France. Hope and courage trump fear and despair.
12
Thank God! Tears of relief and joy... The world is not spinning out of control, led by ignorance and promoting hate. We are not going crazy, although it sure feels that way. Vive La France!! Almost 250 years ago, you supported our fight against tyranny in the American Revolution.... and now you do it again! Merci beaucoups!
11
Well done, France! You've earned the right to continue to look down on Americans and Brits.
25
What a relief! Bully for France.
9
Très bon. It is encouraging to have someone with little political experience (as with Mr, Trump) embody centrist positions. The media has widely described Mme. Le Pen as the candidate closest to Trump, but she is a professional pol. In fact, none of the French candidates is very close to any major American politician. I am optimistic that Trump and Macron, both pragmatists, will get along well.
2
Are you trying to call Trump a centrist? I don't think anyone outside of your house would be inclined to agree.
6
No matter how much of a relief Macron's victory might be in short run, this is no defeat for Le Pen, she did better than any far right party has ever performed in postwar Europe to date. The National Front is no longer on the fringe and the far right is rapidly becoming mainstream, not only in France, but all over Europe. Macron needs to deliver and deliver quickly, or this will be a very short lived Presidency. With a cautious optimism I wish him luck, he strikes me as a better educated and more polished version of Justin Trudeau, just not sure that is what France and Europe need at this time...
5
Please, please, let us breathe and catch our breath first and gather some positive energy for a short while!
None of us here are unaware of this humongous far right and desperate vote issue. Wars are won, battle after battle, not in one single massive swoop. Considering the wildfire rapidly raging around the world, possibly fanned from cyrilic loving places, we have dodged a first and extremely important bullet. France did not fall outright this time, unlike Poland, Hungary, you guys, Turkey, etc.. and to some degree, Britain.
That a nonexistent quasi grassroot political movement and basically unknown quantity won the French election: it's amazing, it's beautiful, whatever cynics will say.
That said, people are hurting, people are afraid, and some people are just plain racist and ignorant - as a teacher, I do know.... So now that we've dodged the ultramarine bullet, we have to get to work and reach out to all, and seriously get to work to overhaul what's broken in French society.
But this requires kindness, strength, lucidity and consistancy. The campaign has been long, brutal, negative, stressful, energy-depleting.
We'll acknowledge this historic moment, drink champagne and cider tonight, and get back to work first thing tomorrow.
None of us here are unaware of this humongous far right and desperate vote issue. Wars are won, battle after battle, not in one single massive swoop. Considering the wildfire rapidly raging around the world, possibly fanned from cyrilic loving places, we have dodged a first and extremely important bullet. France did not fall outright this time, unlike Poland, Hungary, you guys, Turkey, etc.. and to some degree, Britain.
That a nonexistent quasi grassroot political movement and basically unknown quantity won the French election: it's amazing, it's beautiful, whatever cynics will say.
That said, people are hurting, people are afraid, and some people are just plain racist and ignorant - as a teacher, I do know.... So now that we've dodged the ultramarine bullet, we have to get to work and reach out to all, and seriously get to work to overhaul what's broken in French society.
But this requires kindness, strength, lucidity and consistancy. The campaign has been long, brutal, negative, stressful, energy-depleting.
We'll acknowledge this historic moment, drink champagne and cider tonight, and get back to work first thing tomorrow.
2
The French has proven once again that culture, rationality and intelligence can overcome fear and tribalism. I wish that America could evolve to be on the same level but we have a long way to go. France moved forward while America moved backward. Sad, but true.
21
I cant emphasize this enough: Trump and Le Pen are NOT "populist."
pop-u-lism
noun
support for the concerns of ordinary people.
"it is clear that your populism identifies with the folks on the bottom of the ladder."
Any journalist or commentator who repeats these terms and uses them to describe Trump and Le Pen is wittingly or unwittingly serving their propaganda campaigns.
pop-u-lism
noun
support for the concerns of ordinary people.
"it is clear that your populism identifies with the folks on the bottom of the ladder."
Any journalist or commentator who repeats these terms and uses them to describe Trump and Le Pen is wittingly or unwittingly serving their propaganda campaigns.
We all dodged another bullet. Especially Europe. Say what you will about the EU, but a Le Pen run France was in no one bests interests but her own, and Putin.
That Nationalism has now been defeated (but not gone) three successive times in Europe, is a very good thing for the US
Its should also embarrass Americans to see that so many French showed up and voted. Its should also embarrass Americans when people living in severe conditions - politically and environmentally - show up and vote in larger numbers then we do. The apathy around voting in the US is disturbing to say the least.
That Nationalism has now been defeated (but not gone) three successive times in Europe, is a very good thing for the US
Its should also embarrass Americans to see that so many French showed up and voted. Its should also embarrass Americans when people living in severe conditions - politically and environmentally - show up and vote in larger numbers then we do. The apathy around voting in the US is disturbing to say the least.
13
Macron win a rebuke of Trumpism!
13
I'm very happy about Macron's victory. It's a vote against the extremes, and a vote for change too. Societies can move forward and be lead by educated anti-establishment leaders with common sense, practical views of the world and a call for unity. Political leaders from the centre who're facing elections in other countries should take note of Macron. He's defied the old formula that elections start at the extremes and are won in the middle. The new French president has started in the middle and remained in the middle. I believe voters trusted that centrist consistency.
9
See guys? We can do this! We can beat back ignorance and fear!
2018! Then 2020!
YES WE CAN!!!!
2018! Then 2020!
YES WE CAN!!!!
37
America just needs a good alternative party. Unfortunately, the current corporate/establishment democrats don't qualify.
2
Yay for France and their wise decision. (Now I know where to move if my American compatriots can't undo the GOP stranglehold on our government in 2018). It is gratifying to see that the French people did not get caught behind the eight-ball, as our electorate did. A democracy is better than a republic - time to get rid of our antiquated Electoral College.
12
How many Vive La France!, have there been here. We are so happy for the French people and wish to have similar results in our next elections. America needs a real Democratic Party again and a strong, sane, thoughtful, experienced person of the people for our next president, ASAP. A more moderate, Republican Party with the interest of all Americans uppermost, would be a vast improvement as well.
8
Congratulations to the French people for not letting fear determine your vote. Only in our country do we revert back to the Dark Ages.
10
Merci.
7
Allons enfants de la patrie... Thank you, France! See, America, it isn't that difficult to vote for decency and reject an anti-democratic, authoritarian candidate. American self-hatred seems to know no bounds. That only can explain why 46% of us would elect a Groper-in-Chief as president. Now bring on next elections in Germany, which will show us once again a people who are deserving of democracy.
9
This is a good time to plan that trip to France.
Catch whatever remains of its culture before it turns into Saudi Arabia.
Catch whatever remains of its culture before it turns into Saudi Arabia.
6
What a striking contrast to U.S. election. France rejected hate, vulgarity, fake news, fear-mongering, demagoguery, climate change deniers and an alliance with authoritarian thugs like Putin. And they did so overwhelmingly.
The world is yearning for honest, decent and competent leadership. Macon and France have earned the mantel to assume such a role.
Long live liberty, equality, fraternity ... and truth. Vive la France!!
The world is yearning for honest, decent and competent leadership. Macon and France have earned the mantel to assume such a role.
Long live liberty, equality, fraternity ... and truth. Vive la France!!
24
Sorry to break your bubble but it's actually totally the opposite. Climate issues are off the tabke and fear mongering dominated the campaign. Big corporations suppirted Macron and they own the media which told us who to vote for.
Macron is more bamkater than progressive.
Macron is more bamkater than progressive.
I am hopeful that the Statue of Liberty had an influence on the outcome of the election. Their beautiful gift to us, with the inscription that begins "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses, yearning to be free..", now means go away. Trump was incorrect in his prediction of who would win, most likely never even thinking that he would be an influence on the eventual outcome.
3
The Allies saved the French in WW2. Now the French have returned the favor by saving Western democracy- for now. Vice le France!
3
So the left finally wins one, hard to "lose 'em all"
Be careful what you ask for though.
Mme. le Pen still represents 1/3 of the voters, will the winner govern with two thirds?
Until the next outrage anyway.
One inquires, if there were no down-ballot elections...
Be careful what you ask for though.
Mme. le Pen still represents 1/3 of the voters, will the winner govern with two thirds?
Until the next outrage anyway.
One inquires, if there were no down-ballot elections...
1
How is Mr Macron the left exactly ? He's a poster boy for wall street.
2
I truly love France and always have, but today .. I love them more.
10
Apparently there is still some hope for the world.
6
Obviously french are not Americans , they goes for the right Candidate.
Half of age of Trump and will put Donald where he belongs.
Half of age of Trump and will put Donald where he belongs.
6
Glad to see that Macron didn't get Trumped by Le Pen, the way that America did.
Vive La France!
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
Vive La France!
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
5
I don't know... Most of Macron's voters are not US citizens! Without those votes, Macron would have lost to Le Pen bigly!
1
Can we go back to the future?
Vive la France!!!
Vive la France!!!
3
I suppose the Louvre will be burnt to the ground before the French come to their. senses. Le Pen may not be the right person, but demographics are destiny. Does France have another five years? Let the days of "normalized terrorism" continue.
3
But for the vote of the traditional parties rejected in the first round Macron would not have won in the final round.Thus,his presidency could be a kind of coalition with those parties .This is likely to cast a shadow on his claim of being a centrist as well as on his reformist agenda.
It's not that the French were so much smarter than the U.S., as some here are quick to opine. It's that the French had a reasonably likable candidate who offered something new to opt for, when confronted with a second candidate that stoked their fears.
When given two choices, both of which are generally perceived of as 'bad' as happened here, its inevitable the conclusion is one of randomness. For all too many in the U.S. the 2016 Presidential election was a choice between eeny, meeny, miny, and moe.
When given two choices, both of which are generally perceived of as 'bad' as happened here, its inevitable the conclusion is one of randomness. For all too many in the U.S. the 2016 Presidential election was a choice between eeny, meeny, miny, and moe.
2
France hold voting day on Sunday , not a work day.
France does not deny people the right to vote
by applying onorus ID laws. France does not gerrymander
voting districts in order to win. In short France
encourages active voter participation by
making it easy as possible. Nor do they get skewed
results by having an electoral college.
It's a democracy: one man one vote.
In short; the US needs to emulate France.
France does not deny people the right to vote
by applying onorus ID laws. France does not gerrymander
voting districts in order to win. In short France
encourages active voter participation by
making it easy as possible. Nor do they get skewed
results by having an electoral college.
It's a democracy: one man one vote.
In short; the US needs to emulate France.
25
no private money in elections, and short election periods
7
Not true. We had thousands of cases of people who discovered the day of the election they lost their right to vote and macron is backed by huge corporations that control the mainstream media.
Also, the US is a federation. The electoral college makes tital sense you can't decide it's wrong because you didnt win.
Also, the US is a federation. The electoral college makes tital sense you can't decide it's wrong because you didnt win.
The media billionaires, Murdoch, Koch and the casino madmen, will not allow it.
Congratulations to the French people for choosing hope and positivity over fear and pessimism.
5
Gee, I wonder if letting the people vote on a Sunday instead of a work day like here in the USA, had anything to do with the turnout?
11
The US has the lowest voter turnout of any Western democracy, including Mexico, Canada, and the EU nations. Switzerland has mandatory voting laws; citizens are fined if they fail to vote.
We need either Sunday voting, extended voting, easier registration, and better polling practices. Waiting in line for hours shouldn't be part of the voting process, and on a workday no less!
We need either Sunday voting, extended voting, easier registration, and better polling practices. Waiting in line for hours shouldn't be part of the voting process, and on a workday no less!
The turnout was actually not that good. Many people dont like macron. At all.
A centrist (lest-centrist) would have won last November here. Biden or Warren would have beat Trump easily. Trump is not a trend, half of his core supporters will be dead of old age within ten years.
7
I'm a lifelong republican but would have voted for Joe Biden in a heartbeat. I would not have voted for Warren.
5
I hope he does a good job. The people around the world are suffering from extremely poor leadership. Having a sadist-in-chief buffoon as our leader here in the USA, is very depressing and dangerous.
8
"People around the world"? Speak for yourself.
1
I wish the NYT would cover our Allies more often on the front page....not just when there is an election or a terrorist attack.
11
She'll be back. Like a bad oyster.
6
Finally, some balance has been restored to the geo-political system, somewhat correcting the global tilt caused by the US election last year. Does Macron play golf?
4
Sorry - I forgot to give the Brits a serve for starting the whole de-stabilising thing by voting for brexit
2
Angela Merkel is the leader of the free world and France and her voters show us what freedom from fear looks like. Maybe the European Union can show us all a thing or two.
23
amen Also a thinking minimally emotional electorate helps
1
Merkel is an idiot that is well on her way to ruining her country and the EU. Without her the Brits wouldn't have considered leaving and le pen wouldn't have been able to force a run off.
Le Pen was anti-everything; so glad someone with hope and optimism was elected. Too bad the USA was not as smart and we have an old, churlish, narcissistic, inarticulate man who seems to live for signing EO's and photo ops; I am embarrassed daily by him.
2
I'll have some Freedom Fries with that!
I'm so glad the French have shown the West the way out of imprisoning ourselves with fear and hate.
Vive la résistance!
I'm so glad the French have shown the West the way out of imprisoning ourselves with fear and hate.
Vive la résistance!
26
Why, yes. The French are smarter. Or more motivated. Or both.
8
Behind Micron's pulsarian rise is a great love story born in the novels of Stendhal and Balzac. Micron loved passionately, without self consciousness or the calculations of ambition, consumption of illusions ,indifferent to moral hazard and the conventions of bourgeois love. A throws his fate to a woman, trusting in her guidance and benevolence (as in the great window of Chartres depicting the Virgin) feeling a destiny so richly depicted in those great novels. The women of France must have trusted as gained prodigious support from .
In the conventional 19th century novel powerful women bind with younger men of talent and ambition to brighten their own star and stature and influence in a closed society. Not so with Mme. Micron, who accepted her husbands persistent love modestly and built a credible life with it. (neither the tool of the other.) Literature tell me I must trust this man and instincts too. It is an affirmation of a truly imaginative destiny.
In the conventional 19th century novel powerful women bind with younger men of talent and ambition to brighten their own star and stature and influence in a closed society. Not so with Mme. Micron, who accepted her husbands persistent love modestly and built a credible life with it. (neither the tool of the other.) Literature tell me I must trust this man and instincts too. It is an affirmation of a truly imaginative destiny.
2
All he loves is himself, money and power.
Macron is the embodiment of nouveau riche mentality.
Macron is the embodiment of nouveau riche mentality.
THANK GOODNESS.
9
Good job France! A vote for reason, and not a moment too soon!
5
VIVE LA FRANCE!
5
I knew the French weren't as stupid as Donald Trump thought they were and as much as Vladimir Putin was hoping..............
11
Wow. Great choice. Reminds me of the one we had. A banker/finance guy (gotta trust them right?). And a rightwinger who likes Russian dictators. Can the times PLEASE send out a team of investigators and find out where all the worlds potential decent leaders are being held? This is nuts. This goes on much longer we'll be reminiscing about the good ol' days of "w".
The French went high when they could have gone low. Someone was listening to Michelle Obama. Félicitations!
8
I wonder if Americans can achieve the same sanity. Sadly, i have my doubts.
8
France breaks the trance.
11
vive la France
7
The good news, sanity prevailed.
The bas news is this:
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/05/07/world/europe/france-elect...®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news
Frances, like the United States, has a great deal of work to do to not only heal a country, but to banish nationalist elements. We may be seeing similar maps for other European nations with have nationalist and almost fascist elements.
The again, it took 100 years for the mess Europe created in Africa, and the Middle East to finally come back to haunt them Former colonists, of European conquests, now fleeing the dictators Europe help set up. And now comes the backlash from the native European people against their own governments. As well as immigrant victims of what their government supported.
Macron has a lot of work to do, but his problems will be both internal and external. You cannot clean up 100 - 200 years of mess in a short 6 years.
The bas news is this:
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/05/07/world/europe/france-elect...®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news
Frances, like the United States, has a great deal of work to do to not only heal a country, but to banish nationalist elements. We may be seeing similar maps for other European nations with have nationalist and almost fascist elements.
The again, it took 100 years for the mess Europe created in Africa, and the Middle East to finally come back to haunt them Former colonists, of European conquests, now fleeing the dictators Europe help set up. And now comes the backlash from the native European people against their own governments. As well as immigrant victims of what their government supported.
Macron has a lot of work to do, but his problems will be both internal and external. You cannot clean up 100 - 200 years of mess in a short 6 years.
4
If only some of us here in the USA were as smart and not conned in our elections like the French. Well done France, the world is proud of you. No Orange Lady in France...if only we could be so lucky.
11
Oy NYT!
It is- if true - 65.8 to 34.2 not 64.3 to 35.7 as you wrote.
Wassup????
It is- if true - 65.8 to 34.2 not 64.3 to 35.7 as you wrote.
Wassup????
Yeah, ummm...sources? And, what is your point?
1
Macron Exceptionalism vs Trump Despotism!
9
They're both hardcore capitalists trivial issues look different but the hardline is the same - corporations first.
Just sa on France 24 news channel that Trump has congratulated M. Macron on his "Big Win". It occurs to me that President-elect Macron should be thanking Trump—I have gotten a strong feeling here that the French may have just as much voted against a Trump-like regime as they have for the new hope that M Macron represents.
And boy, am I relieved! I couldn't have survived a second election catastrophe…
And boy, am I relieved! I couldn't have survived a second election catastrophe…
9
Once again the US saved Europe from fascism. This time we did it by electing a fascist and showing Europe what hell it is electing a fascist.
25
Vive la France! Macron takes stage in front of the Louvre to "Ode to Joy," invokes the Enlightenment. Civilisation, oui!
8
Perhaps the Russians hacking the email server of Macron gave him some sympathy with voters this time. Plus, they see the catastrophe that happened here with Donald... and Le Pen would be like a French version of The Orange One.
France avoided a disaster that probably would have doomed the EU.
France avoided a disaster that probably would have doomed the EU.
2
As long as Angela W. Merkel is around I would give much consideration to leaving the European Union before that Trojan Horse of immigrants which Merkel let into Europe starts to flex its muscles in France.
3
Wow that sounds scary; until you realize xenophobia was a loser today.
Good thing the people of France are not as scared of immigrants like some Americans and vote based on that fear.
Good thing the people of France are not as scared of immigrants like some Americans and vote based on that fear.
3
By "Trojan horse of immigrants," I suppose you're referring to the flood of refugees forced out of Syria by Putin and his puppets, the same villains who are trying to destabilize the West by fixing state elections to install far-right, Nationalist psychopaths like LePen and Trump.
3
Tonight, France is a Shining City on a Hill. The French have defeated their Donald Trump by a 65% - 35% victory. If only that had been possible in the US! Next come the legislatives. And much is uncertain. But at least tonight there is euphoria, and yes, tears of relief and joy.
11
Thank the god in which I don't believe!
That the French can overwhelmingly elect a centrist (someone who would be called a socialist by U.S. Republicans) means they have not collectively drank the Kool-Aid that has intoxicated the citizens of the UK and US.
That the French can overwhelmingly elect a centrist (someone who would be called a socialist by U.S. Republicans) means they have not collectively drank the Kool-Aid that has intoxicated the citizens of the UK and US.
23
That's it for France. He will not be able to govern, really. You will see a country with more people in the street, protesting. You will see an even greater influx of migrants. More terrorism unfortunately.
It's good for the market, but not much for the French.
Merkel rejoices and the poor will get poorer.
It's good for the market, but not much for the French.
Merkel rejoices and the poor will get poorer.
1
I hear you but, in defence of the UK, Brexit notwithstanding, the far-right UKIP have just been wiped out in the council elections recently, with their vote standing at about 5% I believe. Brexit may have been about its own set of issues...
Because everyone knows that every terrorist was a migrant, yah? Like Timothy McVeigh, Eric Robert Rudolph, Wade Michael Page and Dylan Root. Of course there are foreign born terrorists, but it is the xenophobia and racism promoted by trump and his ilk that create even more of them, from both sides.
2
The French have wisely chosen constructive engagement as a means to address their social and economic issues rather than blowing up the system and hoping for the best. Vive la France!!!
5
Well Mr Corrupt POTUS you are wrong again - thank goodness. Now perhaps you will spend a little more time governing and less time playing golf. On second thoughts given your total incompetence perhaps you will simply go away!
10
Formidable! The French have long believed they are smarter than we. This time around, they were. Their advice to us might be bon courage.
8
Merci merci! You are smarter than we-- oui!
10
To watch live updates in English go to France 24.
http://www.france24.com/en/livefeed
Our turn will come in 2018. We will win back both chambers of Congress, then FRRREEZZZ Drumpf to 2020.
Sen Warren will be our next president.