USA: French expatriates living in New York cast their ballots in the presidential election
Record ID:
327769
USA: French expatriates living in New York cast their ballots in the presidential election
- Title: USA: French expatriates living in New York cast their ballots in the presidential election
- Date: 6th May 2012
- Summary: (SOUNDBITE) (French) FRENCH VOTER ISABELLE GLASSER SAYING: "The elections are very important. We must change the majority. We need a change for the economy and to validate our economic presence in the European community." VARIOUS OF VOTERS EXITING THE FRENCH CONSULATE FRENCH FLAG FLYING OVER THE CONSULATE BUILDING
- Embargoed: 21st May 2012 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Usa
- Country: USA
- Topics: International Relations,Politics
- Reuters ID: LVA4RKYHFO33D1VS0537MPSBVVDS
- Story Text: Voting began on Saturday (May 5) for French expatriates living in New York, in what will be a decisive second-round presidential vote.
Socialist party candidate Francois Hollande is expected to be crowned the country's first Socialist leader in two decades, despite polls showing President Nicolas Sarkozy clawing back some ground.
The election, which will take place on Sunday (May 6) in France, may prove decisive for the direction of Europe as Hollande has promised he will try to temper a German-led austerity drive across Europe and reorientate the recession-struck euro zone towards growth.
Sarkozy, who became the first sitting president of modern times to finish second in a presidential first round vote, must overcome high disapproval rates because of his abrasive style.
If he did win, it would be a political sensation after a whirlwind campaign by the man many voters blame for stubbornly high unemployment, running at a 12-year high of nearly 10 percent, and France's stagnant economy.
Hollande silenced many critics - who had questioned his character and lack of ministerial experience - with a strong performance in the only presidential debate on Wednesday (May 2). While most commentators had expected the aggressive Sarkozy to win, several polls showed viewers found Hollande more convincing.
Voters in New York were mixed on who they would vote for, but all agreed that this election is particularly important for France.
French national Francois Cazeilis said he hopes Sarkozy will win another term.
"I certainly think Nicolas Sarkozy can implement an appropriate plan to get us out of this extremely difficult situation. Evidently, this is an extremely serious situation. There is a strong headwind on our course. I think with our American and European partners, he has the better plan."
Voter Mireilles McCarthy did not share whom she voted for, but said she is concerned about how Hollande will be received by the European Union.
"I hope that if he (Socialist Francois Hollande) is elected, he will be able to run France correctly and manage European affairs but I have my doubts."
But for some like Isabelle Glasser, there is no doubt that "change" is what France needs.
"The elections are very important. We must change the majority. We need a change for the economy and to validate our economic presence in the European community," Glasser told Reuters.
Polls in mainland France were due to open on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (0600 to 1600 GMT), with voting stations in big cities remaining open two hours longer. The first official results will be released after the last voting booths close at 8 p.m. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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