Main focus of Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Hollande's chances against Sarkozy

The French Socialists chose their presidential candidate on Sunday, when former party leader François Hollande came a clear first with 56 percent of the vote. According to the press, his hallmarks are inconspicuousness and normality. This will have both advantages and disadvantages when he challenges President Nicolas Sarkozy next spring, the commentators write.

Turun Sanomat - Finland

François Hollande, the presidential candidate of the French Socialist Party, has realistic chances of beating incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy with his platform, writes the liberal daily Turun Sanomat: "Sarkozy is in for trouble in the elections slated for April or May for several reasons. As a person he is little respected, while his harsh domestic policies have not exactly thrilled many voters. In fiscal policy Sarkozy has given the wealthy advantages at the expense of the middle and lower classes. Unemployment remains unchanged at ten percent. ... In foreign policy, however, the egoistic Sarkozy does have results to show, and he has also been very active in the fight against the euro crisis. Hollande, by contrast, doesn't get on anyone's nerves with his personality. He campaigns with his normality, which however could also work to his disadvantage. By contrast the promise of equitable taxation, better employment figures and social security are music to the ears of many French people. The voters must now decide which economic policy strikes them as the more plausible." (18/10/2011)

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Mladá fronta Dnes - Czech Republic

Whether a "normal" president like François Hollande will be enough for France in these times of crisis is questionable, writes the liberal daily Mladá fronta Dnes: "Particularly since Hollande, unlike [the former Socialist favourite] Strauss-Kahn, lacks the experience Nicholas Sarkozy has in the upper echelons of domestic and foreign politics. Hollande has led the party for years and won several elections, but he was never a member of the government. Does he have what it takes to succeed in the new role? Hollande knows that a good rehearsal is no guarantee for a successful premiere. In the most important elections - those to president - many candidates from his party have failed. One reason more for him to realise that it's not time for him to celebrate yet. Above all because Nicolas Sarkozy remains a politician who should not be underestimated." (18/10/2011)

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Neue Zürcher Zeitung - Switzerland

As a pallid, obscure civil servant, François Hollande poses no real threat to President Nicolas Sarkozy, writes the liberal-conservative daily Neue Zürcher Zeitung: "In fact so far Hollande has not clearly stated why the French should trust him to lead the country. Certainly, the jovial politician from the small town of Tulie isn't going to strike fear in anyone's heart, he no longer speaks of nationalising strategic companies and in financial policy he pledges moderation. But he has yet to present a vision for France and a coherent programme for its realisation. So when he now speaks flamboyantly of 'rediscovering the French dream', it just sounds hollow. Perhaps Hollande could start by explaining what this dream actually is." (18/10/2011)

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