France holds its run-off presidential election on Sunday. Today, the final two candidates face one another in their one-and-only national debate. The two candidates could hardly be more different.
In some ways, the French election parallels the 2016 United States presidential election. The candidates hold positions referred to as “progressive” and “populist.” (Populist may also be called “nationalist.”)
Generally speaking, progressives believe government manages growth and progress to create a better society. Most progressives support environmental laws, taxes on businesses, social programs to redistribute wealth to the poor, and legislation to limit corruption that might harm, restrict, or sometimes just offend others. Progressives are associated with the liberal or “left” wing on the political spectrum.
Populists, in general, emphasize national goals over a global perspective. They believe in decision-making by individuals—the “little man” as opposed to the wealthy and powerful. Populists favor government policies that protect the nation from outside enemies and allow for economic growth for working classes. Though not always aligned with conservatives, populists are associated most often with the “right” wing on the political spectrum.
Donald Trump’s victory over Hillary Clinton reversed a U.S. trend that had been moving in the progressive direction. Now the world watches to see if France will follow suit.
France is a member of the European Union with many socialist policies in effect. But after economic challenges as well as several tragic terrorist attacks in recent years, the French people have voiced dissatisfaction. How will that work out at the polls?
Pro-European progressive Emmanuel Macron was once a member of France’s Socialist party. Macron supports the European Union. He favors accepting immigrants including refugees. And he believes in tax-funded government programs that support the needs and lifestyles of the French population. He proposes a European fund to finance a shared military in addition to keeping a French military.
In contrast, National Front party candidate Marine Le Pen wants to pull France out of the European Union. She advocates closing France’s borders to immigration. Le Pen wants to drop use of the euro and return to the franc, and to adopt trade policies that favor French businesses. Le Pen speaks firmly about protecting French identity, sovereignty (the right to rule itself apart from the rest of Europe), and security.
Which way will the French people vote?
(Photo: Emmanuel Macron (left), Marine Le Pen (right) AP)
