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Modoux, François
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5 articles of this author have been cited in the European Press Review so far.
The Swiss say yes to the biometric passport
Swiss voters approved the introduction of biometric passports by a slim margin in a referendum on Sunday. The daily Le Temps comments on the country's hesitant approval: "As a nation of travellers, the Swiss had excellent reasons to say yes to the biometric passport: this administrative document is quickly becoming the international norm. ... But at the same time they had an equally good reason to reject the biometric passport. It is their legitimate desire to protect their private sphere. ... In the country of banking secrecy which puts so much weight on the protection of the private sphere, the state had a twofold duty to reassure its citizens. But it failed. ... The accidental majority resulting from this referendum has rubber stamped the biometric passport. But this random yes has a strong message: the mistrust of the Swiss is too great for it not to be taken seriously."
» full article (external link, French)
More from the press review on the subject » Domestic Policy, » Switzerland
Berne and Berlin assess differences
With German chancellor Angela Merkel visiting Switzerland on April 29th, François Modoux assesses German-Swiss relations. "Quarrels are increasing and the will to settle them is lacking. The climate grows steadily worse...Merkel's Germany commands respect. A new medium-sized power, an 80-million strong consumer market, and a centrepiece in the enlarged EU, it plays in another league from Switzerland, which is determined to go it alone outside the EU. ... For Berlin, which advocates a deepening of European integration, Switzerland is primarily a nuisance factor. Its banking secret costs Germany tax revenue, its soft corporate taxation regime is seen as unfair competition, and its protectionism hampers trade. Switzerland is so small, so efficient at protecting its own interests away from the UE, and so irritating !"
» full article (external link, French)
More from the press review on the subject » International Relations, » Germany, » Switzerland
The imperative struggle against global warming
"It is difficult to guess what is going to be changed by the fourth global report on climate change delivered under the patronage of the UN. One thing, however, is for sure: there will be a before and after", considers François Modoux following the publication on February 2nd of the document produced by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPPC). "The international community of scientists has unambiguously confronted western political decision-makers with their responsibilities. The question is now no longer essentially scientific, but political. How are human societies, going to manage, or not, to modify the way they function in order to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and prevent global warming from excessively damaging humanity? In Switzerland, the report's conclusions had barely been published when some political parties immediately called for an urgent debate and others for a special session on climate and energy. The gesticulating this week-end is touching, coming from politicians and organisations that had denied or relativized the problem for years. As of today, there can be no more burying of heads in the sand. Dithering is out of the question: the confirmation of global warming demands the immediate action of both MPs and citizens."
» full article (external link, French)
More from the press review on the subject » International Relations, » Environmental Policy, » Energy, » Global
French socialists in search of legitimacy
Francois Modoux draws some lessons from the televised debate on Tuesday, October 17th, between the three socialist investiture candidates for the next presidential elections in France. "Such a highly controlled exercise is laughable. Its limits can be measured: wide media coverage led candidates to develop consensual arguments. This previously unseen primary, one more step toward democracy of opinion, is also a good thing at a time when the gap between politicians and public opinion has become wide open, especially in France. The obligation to play above board, in all transparency reinforces basic militants and gives back some meaning to debate, which is the salt of democracy. The challenge is no doubt perilous. But whoever the socialists single out to carry their hopes will take with them a greater legitimacy."
» full article (external link, French)
More from the press review on the subject » Domestic Policy, » France
Denmark retreats into nationalism
Editorial writer François Modoux argues "it is not a coincidence that the Muhammad cartoon row originated in Denmark. For nowhere else in Europe has the debate on foreigners been as virulent, nor the immigration laws so brutally toughened. Even fervent Danish advocates of free speech feel a bit uneasy. They basically believe that the Danish cartoons were never published in order to promote a real debate. Rather, they see them as a reflection of a general climate of stigmatisation and xenophobic, populist propaganda vis-a-vis an ethnic minority in Denmark. ... The Danes feel overwhelmed by immigration, knocked this way and that by globalisation and their integration into Europe. ... The Danish response to their own insecurity has been a retreat into nationalism and a growing acceptance of xenophobia and islamophobia."
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More from the press review on the subject » Society, » Denmark
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