The ladies' war

The left-liberal daily La Repubblica believes Aubry has the backing of the party heavy-weights because she doesn't want to become president of the republic: "The war between the two Socialist ladies, between the stern Martine Aubry and the untypical, over-glamorous Ségolène Royal, has produced only one winner so far: the president of the right, Nicolas Sarkozy. He is facing a left-wing opposition that is mired in a profound crisis, torn by internal conflicts that are difficult to overcome - also with an eye to 2012, when his own mandate expires. ... Everything revolves around this date. The party is conspiring against Ségolène Royal to ensure that she won't have another chance as its candidate. With Martine Aubry that post remains free ... Passion and rivalry only divide the party and won't help it to reach the political summit, the presidency. But it remains the same old traditional formation and refuses to desert those responsible [for its troubles] like a sinking ship."

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