1. L’election presidentielle en France

2. L’histoire politique de la France
Left-wing: Socialist Party
Right-wing: Populist Party “Union for a Popular Movement”
Far right-wing: National Front Party
Left-wing: progressive, aimed at the future, aim to support all people (equality), redistribution of resources and wealth
Right-wing: economic freedom, survival of the fittest, freedom to succeed > equality
Far right-wing: extreme nationalism and anti immigration

3. 2015 standing across
all regions in France
Blue: right wing
Pink: left wing

4. How do elections work in France?
Interested politicians must get 500 signatures from “sponsors”
There is no electoral college- French citizens directly determine the vote
If no candidate (party) gets at least 50% of the vote, there is a second round of elections
This has never happened (Charles de Gaulle came closest in 1965 with 44%)
The second round is between the top two candidates from the first round
This time, Round 1 is April 23, 2017
How do you vote?
You must be 18 years old and a French citizen
Voting takes place on Sundays, from 8:00 am – 8:00 pm

5. Current President: Francois Hollande
Elected in 2012 (with 51.7% of the vote)
Socialist Party
Regulated open markets
Legalized same-sex marriage
Withdrew troops present in Afghanistan
Removed citizenship from supposed terrorists (which has affected his approval rating)

6. Who are the main candidates?
Francois Fillon
Republican (center-right)
Served under President Sarkozy as Prime Minister of France
“We have to change the system!”

7. Fillon’s political platform
PRO Traditional family values Nationalism Increased retirement age (65) Private jobs > public sector jobs
ANTI Public spending High taxes Full rights for same-sex couples Immigration + Islam

8. Who are the main candidates?
Marine Le Pen
National Front (far right)
Member of European Parliament since 2004, and President of NF Party since 2011
“It would be the comeback of France!”

9. Fillon’s political platform
PRO Free sovereign nations within Europe Civil unions for same-sex couples Energy diversification (alternate sources besides oil) Public interest and utilities jobs
ANTI European Union Immigration Corporate tax (flexible rate based on how profits are shared- whether to shareholders or to profit sharing and investment) Multiculturalism

10. Questions for Discussion
What is the current reception/polling percentage for each candidate?
Who do you believe will win the election in 2017, and why?
How could this election affect France (and possibly other locations)?
How can you compare the French election to the recent US election?