A new political era in France?

Dorothea Hahn observes that the 1968 generation in France has never come to power. "Both nominees who will face the music on Sunday were school kids in the spring of 1968. But it's not only their age that marks a turning point. It's also the political values they represent. Both are preparing to throw the inherited values of the old guard overboard. Both Social Democrat Ségolène Royal and the conservative Nicolas Sarkozy stand for the restoration of state, academic and family values and authorities. They speak of the renewal of morality, the reestablishment of parental authority. And in the case of Social Democrat Royal – even the inclusion of the military in re-educating juvenile delinquents. The election campaign of the last months, and Wednesday's debate, mark a departure from the libertarian principles of 1968, which have defined France for decades. They indicate a political movement towards the right. A parting from the eternal youth of May '68."

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