France has a different system for its overseas 'possessions'. Each, as you say, is actually part of France, so Reunion and others have the Euro as their currency, irrespective of their geographical location. Free movement is also part of the scenario, I think. In reality France's 'Empire' still exists and is spread worldwide, whereas Britain has a more arms length relationship with its territories.

hats off to palace, they were always gonna be louder, and hate to say it but they were impressive ALL bouncing and singing.

Ireland is a much better example than the one I gave. And you are right about how much the mood music has changed over the decades. But the ROI has had its independence for a little bit longer than Algeria so perhaps things might get better with time?

But I fully agree with your last sentence. Question is, will the Left agree to play ball with that? Or just seek to stir it up for their own reasons?

"The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command." - 1984 - George Orwell.

It could offer a vision of what our own politics look like in a few years. Not identical because our systems are so different but if the right here do establish a presence that in time suggests they could become involved in government then we could see tactical voting, alliances of smaller parties with agreements between them not to compete for seats and allow the right to take it by default.

Keeping the right out seems to be the priority for some in France, which I can fully understand. When there is more you share than that which divides you from an extreme opponent it makes sense to cooperate.

So the next few weeks will be more interesting in France than here, as the fall out from our election is likely to take longer to arrive.

For the avoidance of doubt any comments in response to a previous post are directed to its ideas and not at any, or all, posters personally.

As I have argued previously, the day the French elect a right-wing government will be the day the minorities tear up the social-contract.

The whole place will go mental. Another Arab Spring.

Kayla did Anfield & Old Trafford

Good times.

Notice how social liberalism has to throw everything at one single party, multiple parties having to align and manipulate to keep them out....and even then it will probably only limit how much they will win by.

Seems that they can't understand why they are so unpopular and why the so called 'far right' are.

Edited by Stirlingsays (01 Jul 2024 4.47am)

'Who are you and how did you get in here? I'm a locksmith. And, I'm a locksmith.' (Leslie Nielsen)

Heard a French bloke this morning saying people are voting right because of a feeling of being disenfranchised, of wanting to wrestle control from the "elites", to a distrust of "globalism" etc etc.

Do you guys all sing from one hymn sheet?