French need a break from reform

Nicolas Sarkozy and his nonstop reform announcements are to blame for the defeat of the French governing party in the regional elections, the liberal daily Der Standard notes: "The crisis, the economising, the fear of losing one's job - all this has left its mark on the French people. They are 'weary', writes Jean-Paul Delevoye, Mediator of the French Republic in his annual report. They are also tired of a president who is great at gesticulating but in the end has brought about little change ... . For the first time - and not just since the Greek crisis - left-wing voters are hearing the words 'social benefits cuts' while the conservative camp has lost its faith in reform for lack of implementation. There's no doubt about it, the French want the time out the political whirlwind now promises them. But it is doubtful that Sarkozy will keep even this promise. Taking a break is not his style. It would reveal him for what he is. Because what is the president without all his activism, his constant hustle and bustle?"

» full article (external link, German)
More from the press review on the subject » Domestic Policy, » Elections, » France
All available articles from » Stefan Brändle

» To the complete press review of Tuesday, March 16, 2010