Advertisement

What do French Londoners think about France's Presidential election?

With just days left before the first round of votes are cast in the French elections, we spoke to a variety of French expats who are planning to vote for their preferred candidate.

London is home to almost 300,000 French nationals. Many live, work and study in the South Kensington area, home to the Institut Français as well as the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle.

Opinion polls have shown the centrist Emmanuel Macron and far-right Front National leader Marine Le Pen running neck and neck, after a public expenses scandal dented the chances of former favourite François Fillon, of the centre-right Republican party.

A campaign poster of the far-right Front National candidate Marine Le Pen covered with graffiti, in Caestre, northern France, two days before the first round of the election. - Credit: Philippe Huguen/AFP
A campaign poster of the far-right Front National candidate Marine Le Pen covered with graffiti, in Caestre, northern France, two days before the first round of the election. Credit: Philippe Huguen/AFP

But in recent weeks, the far-left maverick Jean-Luc Mélenchon has gained an unexpected following among French voters for his quirky campaigning methods, witty televised debate performances and anti-establishment message.

Mélenchon’s latest surge in popularity has meant that the Presidential elections are looking likely to become a four-horse race between him, Macron and Le Pen -- with no certain winner.

Many of the people we interviewed said they were worried about the potential outcomes of Sunday’s vote - especially after Brexit, which influenced a surge in populism across the Continent.

“I am concerned about the result. … People tend to vote in France as a protest, they don’t always vote as a choice,” said full-time mother Laurence, who is half-British and half-French. She came over to London specially for Sunday’s vote.

“They might not like Le Pen, for example, but they will vote to show that they’re cross, to show that they have power. The right to vote is very sacred in France.”

Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech during a meeting in Paris. Often described as unconventional and tenacious, the 39-year-old was unknown to the French people only three years ago. - Credit: Christophe Ena/AP
Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech during a meeting in Paris. Often described as unconventional and tenacious, the 39-year-old was unknown to the French people only three years ago. Credit: Christophe Ena/AP

Some people were still undecided, and many had changed their minds several times over which candidate to vote for.

“I’ve been changing my mind a lot over the past few weeks, and I think I’m not alone in that case,” said Constance, 23, who interns at the Institut Français.

“I’ve been hesitating between [Socialist Party candidate] Benoȋt Hamon and Mélenchon because I’ve been leaning very much to the left of the Socialist Party.”

France’s future relationship with Europe was also a big concern for several people.

“I am afraid we could get out of the Eurozone, and that would be a disaster for France and for Europe,” said Emilie, 39.

French presidential candidate Francois Fillon gestures as he delivers a speech during a rally party on April 18, 2017 in Lille, France.  - Credit: Sylvain Lefevre/Getty
French presidential candidate Francois Fillon gestures as he delivers a speech during a rally party on April 18, 2017 in Lille, France. Credit: Sylvain Lefevre/Getty

Others proudly supported François Fillon despite the damaging allegations about his misuse of public funds.

“I think he is ready. He has the political experience and the international experience as the former Prime Minister,” said Laurence Azzéna-Gougon.

She is The Republicans’ French Parliamentary candidate for the seat of North Europe, representing French expats who live in the UK, Ireland and Scandinavia.

“We were worrying about of course the Front National, but I’m pretty confident that if François Fillon wins the first round ... he will win the second,” said Ms Azzéna-Gougon.

Register Log in commenting policy