Socialists Sweep Power in France, Winning the Parliament
- Posted on June 17, 2012 at 3:28pm by
Erica Ritz
- Print »
- Email »
Socialist Francois Hollande won France's presidential election in May
(The Blaze/AP) – French President Francois Hollande’s Socialist Party won a solid majority in parliamentary elections Sunday, fortifying his push for governments to spend money – not cut budgets – to tackle Europe’s economic crisis.
“This new, solid and large majority will allow us now to pass laws for change, and gives us great responsibilities in France and in Europe,” Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said on France-2 television as the results started coming in.
Elections in France and Greece on Sunday will weigh on Europe’s future and whether its debt troubles will hobble markets and economies across the globe. France is the second-biggest economy in the eurozone and, along with powerhouse Germany, contributes heavily to bailouts for weaker nations and often drives EU-wide policy.
It’s a stunning turnaround for the Socialists, a party that spent much of the last decade mired in division and confused about its direction. Hollande‘s victory over Sarkozy on May 6 led the way for the leftists’ legislative sweep.
Socialists now have an almost unprecedented lock on politics in France, and plan to use it to raise taxes on big banks and oil companies, levy a 75-percent tax on incomes higher than (EURO)1 million ($1.26 million) a year, and hire 60,000 teachers.
Hollande’s strong domestic mandate will also let him push back in global economic talks against the budget cuts being demanded by Germany, which Greece and other indebted countries say are driving them deeper into the financial abyss by suffocating growth.
Under Sarkozy, France joined Germany in favoring government austerity measures instead of stimulus programs as the antidote to the continent’s debt troubles – especially in countries such as Greece that turned to the European Union and others for billions in bailout dollars.
Hollande presented other European leaders last week with a new “growth pact” that includes (EURO)120 billion ($151 billion) worth of spending measures around the continent to stimulate growth, French newspaper Journal du Dimanche reported Sunday. The paper said it obtained a copy of an 11-page letter on the issue sent to Merkel and others.
Party leader Marine Le Pen lost her own parliamentary race – by just 118 votes – but her niece and a prominent lawyer won seats for the party, which Le Pen called “an enormous success” after years outside parliament despite significant popular support.
Voter turnout was weak for France, at about 56 percent, as voters were asked to cast ballots for the fourth time in the past two months.
In a well-off area of central Paris, voter Eve Baume said she cast her ballot for the local Socialist, Claire Morel, “because I’ve been waiting for change for a long time. … Also I wanted to support Francois Hollande, the government and its projects.”
Pascal Albe, a voter from the working class Paris suburb of Ivry-sur-Seine, said that though he generally votes for the right, Hollande should have a Socialist-led parliament. “Otherwise the country will be paralyzed, and especially now, we don’t need that,” he said.
This is a breaking story. Updates will be added.
Popular Stories
Paper Details Obama Admin’s Alleged Secret Note Sent to Iran: If Israel Attacks, We Won’t Get Involved 585 Comments
‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 413 Comments
This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 412 Comments
Roseanne Barr: Most Billionaires ‘Violent Pedophiles’ & ‘Heartless’ Cocaine Addicts 374 Comments
President Obama Issues Major ‘Green Energy’ Executive Order 368 Comments
Faith
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 412 Comments
Pakistani Muslim Cleric Accused of Framing Disabled Christian Girl in Koran-Burning Case Read More- ‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 413 Comments
Meet the Controversial German Imam Accused of Brutally Beating His Wife & Pushing Sharia Law Read More
‘Self-Proclaimed Messiah’ & Unification Church Leader the Rev. Sun Myung Moon Has Died — Here’s His Life Story Read More
Business
- President Obama Issues Major ‘Green Energy’ Executive Order 368 Comments
- Germany’s Upcoming Court Ruling Will be Huge for the EU Read More
Ford Looks to Beat Toyota for Best-Selling Car in 2012 With This Model 151 Comments
Bernanke & QE3: Here’s What You Need to Know Read More- ‘Extortion’: Why Did the Labor Department ‘Drop the Hammer’ on Oregon Farmers? 303 Comments
Technology
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 412 Comments
‘TaserDrone’: Hackers Weaponize Quadcopter With Actual ‘Shocking’ Technology Read More
Ever Heard of the Wild ‘Burning Man’ Festival in the Middle of the Nev. Desert? Here’s Your Primer Read More
Stanford Develops Technology ‘Better Than Steroids’ for Athlete Recovery Read More
Have You Pretended to Know What ‘the Cloud’ Is? You’re Not Alone Read More
Submitting your tip... please wait!
Comments (117)
Charles
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 7:09pmHe looks a french fool. france is doomed. Good riddance – I’ve met way too many french snobs to have any empathy. All the french business people of any merit will get the heck out of that dump asap.
Report Post »RJJinGadsden
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 7:59pmYou would think they had learned a lesson during Jacques Chirac’s administration. They had a number of businesses flee the country then. During his reign it became illegal for anybody to work beyond 38 hours per week. Even voluntarily, business owners, or management. Several U.S. owned companies packed up and moved to greener pastures. France could have done better than Sarkozy, but he was able to make at least a little of turn around. Now, they will be back in the financial toilet in a very short time.
Report Post »Walkabout
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 8:46pmI am bullish on the French car market in the short term. It is going to get hot out & with all the raised expectations of money & lollipops for everyone… hoo doggy watch out.
Report Post »stage9
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 8:52pmThis is what happens when you educate your population in secular imbecility. Do these fools ACTUALLY believe corporations will stick around? France will become Detroit times 10! European fools love to be slaves.
Report Post »Walkabout
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 9:02pmHow is Francois Hollande is a fool? He is on top of the political power structure & socialists adore him.
He traded in his domestic partner, Ségolène_Royal, with whom he begat 4 children for an upgrade to an 11 year younger Valérie_Trierweiler, a political journalist.
If it doesn’t work out in 2 to 10 years, then their are always book tours & paid speaking engagements. Of course if the President after him is a conservative, the witty journalists will beat a path to his door asking how he would handle a given situation. So he will remain relevant dignified & statesman like after he leaves office. Then their is always the all important state funeral.
So who is the fool? HE has the women, the children, the money & the power.
… and nothing he does has to work!
Report Post »PennPatriot
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 10:10pmI work for a company with 2 dozen locations in Minn and Wisc. We are owned by a company from France named Sonepar……..I wonder if they will close stores here or move from france to here. They can come here until our socialist interests make it impossible for them here too. Any comments?
Report Post »1947
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 12:11amThis is Obama wants for America but didn’t France to show her hand so FAST
Report Post »paperpushermj
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 12:31am@PENNPATRIOT
Report Post »Yeh don’t take out any long term loans
Uranium Wedge
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 1:06amSo this is what our boys died for?
Report Post »Jive Mickey
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 6:45amAll the smart money had relocated long ago.
Report Post »OutOfTheAether
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 12:59pmTHIS is not going to end well for France….or the EU
Report Post »EZDOZIT
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 6:44pmWhy do the idiots always seem to prevail?
scuba13
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 7:23pmIt‘s Obama’s new best friend.
Report Post »stage9
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 8:53pmBecause it’s easy to be a moron. It’s difficult to think for yourself. Slaves love others to think for them.
Report Post »SkyDiamond
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 9:31pmGood freakin’ question !
Report Post »pghpatriot
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 1:57ambecause all the other idiots, hypnotized with the promise of change and wealth distribution vote for them. and when their bubble bursts and they realize that no matter how much you tax the rich it will never be enough to cover all your debts and spending. by that time it will be too late. and then they will come after YOU!
pray God this country does not have as many idiots as France.
Report Post »libertyandresponsibility
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 6:05pmWell I guess Johnny Depp will be moving home when the 75% tax goes into affect
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 6:16pmHe is Crazy… but not Crazy enough to manage his own money… and not have a devious shelter!
Report Post »poorrichard09
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 6:33pmIt’s really funny over in Eurozone when they refer to “socialists.” They’re all socialists, it’s kind of like Baskin-Robbins: it’s all ice cream, just various flavors!
Report Post »Noonien_Soong
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 8:23pmJohnny could go to Switzerland or some island somewhere ala Jack Sparrow which I doubt. Currently he is worth $300 million per Wikipedia, with that he may have an island of his own
Report Post »stage9
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 9:09pmThis will only hurt the class the sorry socialists are claiming to help. Businesses will evaporate and the people will slip into poverty, despair, desperation and then revolt. Idiots never seem to learn from history.
Oh, and keep in mind, the “75% tax” will not apply to Mr Hollande…his money will be safe and sound somewhere outside of France. The dictator in charge will ALWAYS be safe so long as someone doesn’t want his job, then he will become the most paranoid fool in all of France. Stalin spent most of his time watching his back and knocking off those he thought threatened his power chain. It’s coming, watch.
Report Post »ColoradoMaverick
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 5:57pmSay la vie France! Idiots!
Report Post »shogun459
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 6:05pmThe USA is on the hook for a large portion of that debt.
PLUS the FED has a 90 day “We’ll buy all your Euros” policy open to all Euro Country Banks.
So I wouldn’t be so Viva la anything.
Report Post »Dr Vel
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 7:30pmShogun were you at the mall instead of in line when IQ’s were being passed out? What He said was “such is life” meaning oh well it’s the way they are, nothing we can do about it. Viva is used to express acclamation, salute, or applause. In effect you reversed what he was saying and then ragged him with zero understanding of either what he or you were talking about. If you wish to not appear stupid try spewing your opinions from the top of your torso instead of the bottom.
Report Post »progressiveslayer
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 5:39pmThe French will be singing the blues just like Greece is doing now,bunch of dumb asses don‘t even know they’re going down the drain.
Report Post »Walkabout
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 6:00pmYou are right. The new French Prime Ministers suggested EU bonds. Merkel saw right through his ploy. EU bonds is just another way to spend money now & ask someone, anyone to pay later down the road.
EU bonds is just as corrupt as Democrats saying their budgets eventually balance in the “out years”.
Report Post »alexanderj3
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 9:14amEveryone thinks the problem with Greece and Spain are the only problems facing Europe right now. Give it at least two years under this Socialist government in France and everyone will be talking about how to bailout them due to their debt they will pile up.
Report Post »Ron Staiger
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 5:32pmThe French deserve all that socialism has to offer!
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 6:05pmWhat was our Sin… to get Obama?
Report Post »copatriots
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 6:20pmFor starters, LUKER, turning our back on God as well as over 53 million known abortions since 1972. We deserve what we got. If we don’t have national as well as individual repentance, this will only be the beginning of our woes….if it isn’t too late already.
Report Post »Mukichan
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 4:55pmThat nation(for however much longer) have shown you can stack stupid on top of ignorant. Wasn’t sure it was possible but there it is!
Report Post »NHwinter
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 5:11pmI agree, the stupidity continues. This will lead to their downfall and accelerate the plan for a NWO.
Report Post »mils
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 5:25pm‘New world order.”..i first remember hearing this from Bush 1.
Report Post »I think we have been set up for this over time…slowly…trough our elected officials and we have been oblivious until just recently…
They act so happy when they win and the people are so joyous..wait..give them a couple of years…you can’t take and take and take..someone has to give..
lukerw
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 6:09pm@MILS
Report Post »President Clinton promoted the New World Order with Gore in dealing with NAFTA-type Treaties!
mwhaley
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 4:42pmEnlightened Europeans, stupid, lazy, selfish morons. Kinda like our POTUS.
Report Post »SERUM
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 4:40pmFrance has leapt in a single bound into the quicksand of economic disaster as Germany is running out rope and patience.
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 4:46pmIt is the French form of Nationism: we will show up Germany & the US for the fools we know them to be.
Report Post »jhaydeng
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 4:38pmWhat are the chances that Soros has money on this horse (government)!
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 4:49pmSelling Short… would be a good bet!
Report Post »SOUNDTHETRUMPET
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 5:04pmChances are 100%
Report Post »rc30
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 6:23pmThis why I got the hell out of Michigan in 2009 and moved too Texas. I think Texas will be the last stand when or if the USA falls. Well they voted in real crazy people. Hope they all like whats coming.
Report Post »The-Monk
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 4:16pmAnother French Military Victory……oh, I mean Economic Victory.
Report Post »RollyBones
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 4:10pmBreak out the Guillotine! Frances next bloody revolution is about to commence ! 75% Tax?? The French might be in for a very tough few years! No more wine and cheese for the proletariat! Only bread and water! Maybe a mushroom or two!
Rolly
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 4:15pmMaybe we can… Out Source… our Executions, too!
Report Post »awiderview
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 4:22pmI’ve been in France for the past month…so far the food is as good as ever. I’ll be here for another 4 months…I’ll let you know if things change. lol.
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 4:38pm@AWIDER…
Report Post »The problem with Europe is… you have to be in with the Elite or the EU… in order to actually know what is going on… for they have Halls of Mirrors!
lani59
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 6:21pmThis couldn’t happen to anicer bunch of frogs. Uh was that racist or speaking the truth.
Report Post »yiddishlion
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 4:10pmRemember when everyone told Pollock jokes, and it was widely believed that Pols were inherently dumb? Well there was a vast, comprehensive study done through all of Europe and the Pols actually came out near the top in I.Q. tests. Guess who was almost dead last…………….yep……….the French….
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 4:20pmYup… the Smart one’s teach French in Foreign Countries… and the Brave one’s were killed off in Invasion of Russia!
Report Post »awiderview
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 4:05pmI’m in France right now watching the election results on TV. There are a lot of political parties here in France, but ALL of them talk about working together with the majority. It’s a civilized country…they don’t waste their time with personal attacks. But yes, they have to deal with the financial problems that are facing all western countries. Even the socialist president stresses growth as being most important. France is not perfect, and there are plenty of problems here, but it’s nice to hear people addressing matters in a civil manner.
Report Post »madderg
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 4:20pmSeeing as you would need sizable amounts of money to start, or expand business…at 75% tax who is stupid enought to do that..even in France?? They can watch the money leave the country just as fast as they can carry it. I guess everyone left can become a teacher…stupid.
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 4:30pmAh, yes… they spoke French at Court in England for a couple hundred years… and Russia too… and it made them seem much more Civil!
Report Post »awiderview
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 4:30pm@Madderg
Report Post »France has plenty of big, successful businesses and the quality of life is pretty darn good, so they must be doing something right.
lukerw
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 4:42pm@AWIDER…
Report Post »Ah, yes… I remember it well… the von Bismarck approach: Share the Wealth, but not the Power!
dylan
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 4:00pmHeard or read somewhere that the French always have their back up (they are a snotty lot) because French was the language international. Now it’s English n they do not like it one bit! Be interesting to see what happens c this %75 tax imposition does c the twits.
Report Post »Mojoron
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 3:59pmHollande‘s socialist romp into prosperity will be head to head with Merkle’s austerity program. We will see a side-to-side comparison of these two methods of debt handling. Any bets who will win this one?
Report Post »humbled
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 3:57pmWow, a real-time display of the destructive policies of Marxists. A crystal ball for Americans to see what the outcomes would be of the utopian dreams of the progressives.
Report Post »DrunkenDuck
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 4:06pmObama is salivating.
Report Post »getourcountryback
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 3:56pmAnd the incentive for people to work and excel would be?
Report Post »nobull14
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 3:55pmDid you ever notice that all the euro leaders including Russia are all about 4ft 10in tall most are close too being midgets. ?
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 4:13pmIt’s the Napoleon Complex that does it!
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 3:54pmGoodbye to France.
Report Post »awiderview
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 4:35pmI’m always intrigued by your simplistic view of things. Have you ever been to France? If not, here’s a personal invitation. Answer this comment and I’ll follow-up with you to get you over here. I‘m sure you’ll like it.
Report Post »slr4528
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 5:13pmAWIDERVIEW-
I actually have spent time in France opening up an office and I found their quality of life to be lacking. Their middle class is comparable to the lower income classes in the US. Don’t even get me started on their corrupt business culture!!!!!!!!!
Report Post »copatriots
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 6:24pmI’ll play you game, WIDER. I’ve been to France on more than one occasion. SNOW is correct…..adieu to France.
You do know the problem with socialism, right?
Report Post »copatriots
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 6:36pmAre you eager to pay 75% in taxes, WIDER, or are you finding ways to skirt them? I look forward to your on-the-scene reporting.
BTW, Monaco is lovely this time of year. Pay the huge tolls & gas prices and be sure to drive down there.
Report Post »copatriots
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 6:40pmBTW recently returned from French Polynesia. Funny how the locals are not at all excited about the return to socialism.
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 3:53pmMy prediction: Oland & Obama will make passionate love together!
Report Post »Baddoggy
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 3:51pmKinda like turning the spicket the wrong way…France willl fail soon enough and the Muslims will take full control.
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 3:50pmSTUPID Title… everyone is a Socialist in Europe!
Report Post »Red Meat
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 4:19pmLOL. Ain’t that the truth.
Report Post »phoenix110
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 3:36pmlol @ France. Allow me to be the first to say, “Goodbye France!”
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 4:01pmOnly France… could be Broke… but want to Out Spend the US!
Report Post »Individualism
Posted on June 17, 2012 at 3:33pmatleast the system will collapse with money spent more on the people i guess btw in USA we already have a socialist system that effects most classes of people. notice how our taxes are designed. Sarkozy didn’t help anyone with anything it appears.
Report Post »