The editors of the Wall Street Journal, natural allies of M. Macron’s candidacy for French president, remark on the outcome of the first round of French presidential elections:
Sharply divided French voters on Sunday gave themselves Emmanuel Macron as a mainstream alternative to far-right Marine Le Pen in next month’s second round of presidential voting. The French will now decide between two very different visions of French nationalism.
Incomplete tallies as we went to press suggested that the independent former Socialist Mr. Macron would finish first in a crowded field, with about 23% of the vote. Ms. Le Pen of the National Front was close behind. Free-market conservative François Fillon and far-left firebrand Jean-Luc Mélenchon each won a little under 20%. French voters remain deeply divided about how to jolt their country out of its malaise. But they seem willing, for now and only barely, to give the center another chance.
I am not quite sure how the editors arrive at that conclusion. Mssrs. Macron and Fillon were the closest candidates to representing the status quo and nearly two-thirds of French voters voted against them. In the final round French voters have a clear alternative between a vain grab at the status quo or upending it. We’ll soon know their mood.
Fillon also stood for change, his campaigns theme was to do a Thatcher or Reagan on France.
Yet what France will get is the status quo.
Yes but Fillon was closely tied to the establishment. How much of a problem that will pose for Macron remains to be seen.
If Fillon stood for change he would not be promoting Macron against Le Pen.
“Fillon also stood for change, his campaigns theme was to do a Thatcher or Reagan on France.”
Triple their debt while having a military build up?
Steve
Didn’t say what Fillon wanted made sense for France.
Melanchon seemed more in tune with French culture.