France General Discussion

[PGSable]

Bernard Stoessel (DVC, ex-MoDem) is Zeller's interim successor, but it seems likely that Stoessel will be elected by the Regional Council as President until 2010 soon. The UMP didn't nominate a candidate in Alsace in its regional primaries a few months ago, so the field is still open. Names for UMP top candidates in 2010 include Senator Philippe Richer, but former cabinet minister and incumbent deputy François Loos (Radical-UMP) and the UMP leader in the Bas-Rhin André Reichardt (a nobody, I've never heard of him) are also potential names. In addition, Stoessel could lead a centrist list. On the left, it is not known whether or not 2004 candidate and President of the Strasbourg Urban Community Jacques Bigot (PS) will be candidate. The Greenies will nominate their candidate soon - they had supported the PS in 2004.

From what I've read, it's anything but certain that Stoessel will be elected president. The UMP might prefer to elect one of their own, someone who can lead the UMP list in 2010 (such as Richer or Loos).

[PGSable]

In addition to the regional primaries yesterday, the PS held referenda. Turnout was at 46%.

Open primaries to all voters
YES 67,91 %

Open primaries to candidates from all leftist parties
YES 69,94 %

Bar PS members of Parliament from serving simultaneously as presidents of a local collectivity
YES 71,90 %

Bar PS members from cumulating over three local presidencies
YES 75,41 %

Apply parity laws to all party offices
YES 70,88 %

Apply parity laws to the 2012 legislative elections
YES 71,67 %

Allow the PS to reserve constituencies to ensure diversity (whatever that means)
YES 60,90 %

Make it easier to become a member of the PS
YES 73,89 %

Allow the PS to improve its system for electing leaders
YES 77,82 %

Create an independent body within the PS to rule on ethics laws
YES 80,33 %

Change internal vote rules to avoid voter fraud
YES 86,88 %