While Ségolène Royal emerged has the frontrunner during my stay in France, it seems more and more apparent that times are quickly changing. Not only has Nicolas Sarkozy taken the lead by 9 points according to recent polls but also Francois Bayrou, president of UDF, a centrist political party, has just caught up with Ségolène and is tied for 2nd place.
Ségolène has been consistently criticized for her lack of experience and untactful communication strategies that are too “public-based” and often wishy-washy. While she is targeting the general public for their opinions, many believe she lacks vital presidential qualities, which has caused her to decline in the polls during the last month. Most recently, Ségolène has experienced another setback. On March 16th, one of her former advisers, Eric Besson, attacked her as “an incompetent amateur and egomaniac who was a danger to France.” Besson, 46, resigned last month as the Socialists’ chief economic strategist. In his “tell-all” book he writes: “In all conscience I do not think that Ségolene Royal should become president of the Republic. I do not wish it for my country. I fear it for my children. She has an ultra-personal conception of power. Her only motive is personal glory. She uses and abuses demagoguery. We are in France, not in Latin America, even if the resemblances are disturbing.” Besson’s job was to evaluate the policies Ségolène proposes. He resigned (and left the Socialist party) in protest of a lack of respect from Ségolène and the party. Besson titled his book, “Who here knows Eric Besson?” in response to the putdown that Ségolène publicly inflicted on him after his resignation.
While Ségolène has dismissed this book, it is apparent that the French people have not. She humiliated a former employee, and has had multiple people quit working for her and go public with negative descriptions. With her goal of winning the presidency, this negative imagery is only detrimental.
I see a similar sentiment of the French public and the American people during the last presidential election. Instead of people choosing to vote for Kerry, many saw the vote as a vote against Bush. This same rationale is widely discussed throughout French media and has been deemed “TSS” –tout sauf Ségolène, or tout sauf Sarkozy – all but Ségolène/Sarkozy. This has given new hope to Bayrou, the centrist candidate who was previously ignored by both dominant parties, yet now finds himself in the center of spotlight. He offers a less extremist perspective, and many seem him as the more experienced and genuine candidate.
In a presidential campaign, the final goal is clearly to win. This is the ideal result. In order to do so, it is crucial to act consistently presidential, and continue on an upward trajectory gaining support. It serves no benefit to lose it. While Ségolène began her campaign with an “inclusive” strategy, she has been inconsistent, and at this point, it looks like it might cost her the presidency.
Sources:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article1527795.ece
http://www.spiegel.de/international/spiegel/0,1518,472503,00.html
http://www.unison.ie/breakingnews/index.php3?ca=27&si=107823&breakingnews=1
Monday, March 19, 2007
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Shaking Up French Politics
“What I like about her is that she doesn’t hesitate to shake things up” - Wall Street Journal, Feb. 10/11
Segolene Royal has overcome obstacles in the past year that most politicians will not face in a lifetime. In France, she is currently barely trailing Sarkozy, according to recent opinion polls. While many love her, and many find something to critique, no one can deny that she has used unique tactics and portrayed unwavering resolve, making her a Level 5 Leader (according to Jim Collin’s specifications) in all capacities.
Obviously, as a woman, Segolene confronted initial skepticism when announcing her candidacy, including snide remarks from opponents, frequent appearances in political cartoons, and jokes regarding her attire – often too sexy. Segolene rebutted this initial challenge by using her womanhood to her advantage as discussed in my first blog. After combating this initial challenge, Segolene faced increasing controversy due to her lack of experience in French politics, yet she has turned to the people and created a campaign based on “participatory democracy.” Segolene stated in many speeches: “It’s the French people who have given me legitimacy…after the Paris Match article, there was a popular uprising. The French people wanted me.” Not only has she turned to the people through her words, her actions have expressed the same resolve. Segolene has suggested implementing citizens juries who would judge politicians, windfall profits tax on oil companies, raising the minimum wage to $3000 a month, and consolidation of the 35-hr workweek. Segolene also has given the people of Poitou-Charentes (her former political position) a bigger role in government by allowing students, parents, and teachers to vote via secret ballot on how to spend 10% of the schools budget. Her consistent recognition of the people and determination to give the populace a say in politics (through the citizen jury, deciding budgets, etc.) she illustrates a humbleness that is rare in politics, particularly when compared to her rival, Sarkozy who uses more traditional political tactics.
Even after all of these initiatives, criticism did not stop.
Neither did Segolene Royal.
On February 11th, Segolene presented 100 proposals designed to counter the charge of her “lack of initiatives.” These proposals include measures that have a strong social component, such as raising pensions and reforming social housing. She has based these proposals on three main pillars of “economic development, and efficient social and environmental action.” She illustrates the “plow horse” nature depicted of a Level Five Leader, she is relentless and determined to show the French people she has great ideas and the skill set necessary to be president.
She has illustrated an unwavering commitment to show she is ready, innovative, and committed to changing the current trajectory of French politics.
In politics, it is crucial to have a strong support system and ensure that those working for you have your best interest at heart. Recently, a top aide made inappropriate comments regarding the status of Segolene and her partner – the aide was immediately dismissed. Segolene “likes to control all decisions that are taken,” and “she’s not afraid of conflict, She’s not afraid of telling you you’re wrong or if she doesn’t like you, of not shaking your hand, she doesn’t care about protocol.” Traditionally, a Level Five Leader must be self-confident enough to set up their successors for success. All rules change in politics. Segolene has taken the initiative to ensure that all those working for her (the WHO) are working toward the same common goal of getting her into office (the WHAT) – she does what needs to be done to ensure the right people are working with her, regardless of traditional protocol.
Segolene is confident, humble, resolved, determined, and admits when she makes a mistake, for instance when she fumbled regarding her viewpoint on the Iraqi war. She acknowledged what she said, and corrected herself – not blaming anyone for her error.
When asked about the journey of her candidacy, Segolene responded: “I knew the battle would be tough, and we haven’t seen everything yet.”
Segolene is preparing for the un-preparable. She recognizes the struggle and has made clear that her persistence and dedication will not change. She has exhibited extraordinary leadership, and will no doubt, continue to “shake things up.”
Segolene Royal has overcome obstacles in the past year that most politicians will not face in a lifetime. In France, she is currently barely trailing Sarkozy, according to recent opinion polls. While many love her, and many find something to critique, no one can deny that she has used unique tactics and portrayed unwavering resolve, making her a Level 5 Leader (according to Jim Collin’s specifications) in all capacities.
Obviously, as a woman, Segolene confronted initial skepticism when announcing her candidacy, including snide remarks from opponents, frequent appearances in political cartoons, and jokes regarding her attire – often too sexy. Segolene rebutted this initial challenge by using her womanhood to her advantage as discussed in my first blog. After combating this initial challenge, Segolene faced increasing controversy due to her lack of experience in French politics, yet she has turned to the people and created a campaign based on “participatory democracy.” Segolene stated in many speeches: “It’s the French people who have given me legitimacy…after the Paris Match article, there was a popular uprising. The French people wanted me.” Not only has she turned to the people through her words, her actions have expressed the same resolve. Segolene has suggested implementing citizens juries who would judge politicians, windfall profits tax on oil companies, raising the minimum wage to $3000 a month, and consolidation of the 35-hr workweek. Segolene also has given the people of Poitou-Charentes (her former political position) a bigger role in government by allowing students, parents, and teachers to vote via secret ballot on how to spend 10% of the schools budget. Her consistent recognition of the people and determination to give the populace a say in politics (through the citizen jury, deciding budgets, etc.) she illustrates a humbleness that is rare in politics, particularly when compared to her rival, Sarkozy who uses more traditional political tactics.
Even after all of these initiatives, criticism did not stop.
Neither did Segolene Royal.
On February 11th, Segolene presented 100 proposals designed to counter the charge of her “lack of initiatives.” These proposals include measures that have a strong social component, such as raising pensions and reforming social housing. She has based these proposals on three main pillars of “economic development, and efficient social and environmental action.” She illustrates the “plow horse” nature depicted of a Level Five Leader, she is relentless and determined to show the French people she has great ideas and the skill set necessary to be president.
She has illustrated an unwavering commitment to show she is ready, innovative, and committed to changing the current trajectory of French politics.
In politics, it is crucial to have a strong support system and ensure that those working for you have your best interest at heart. Recently, a top aide made inappropriate comments regarding the status of Segolene and her partner – the aide was immediately dismissed. Segolene “likes to control all decisions that are taken,” and “she’s not afraid of conflict, She’s not afraid of telling you you’re wrong or if she doesn’t like you, of not shaking your hand, she doesn’t care about protocol.” Traditionally, a Level Five Leader must be self-confident enough to set up their successors for success. All rules change in politics. Segolene has taken the initiative to ensure that all those working for her (the WHO) are working toward the same common goal of getting her into office (the WHAT) – she does what needs to be done to ensure the right people are working with her, regardless of traditional protocol.
Segolene is confident, humble, resolved, determined, and admits when she makes a mistake, for instance when she fumbled regarding her viewpoint on the Iraqi war. She acknowledged what she said, and corrected herself – not blaming anyone for her error.
When asked about the journey of her candidacy, Segolene responded: “I knew the battle would be tough, and we haven’t seen everything yet.”
Segolene is preparing for the un-preparable. She recognizes the struggle and has made clear that her persistence and dedication will not change. She has exhibited extraordinary leadership, and will no doubt, continue to “shake things up.”
Saturday, February 3, 2007
An Innovative Leader
“It is easy to run a series of multimillion-euro campaign meetings in front of the TV cameras. It takes guts to listen. Bravo, Ségolène.”
- News Reporter at the Grenoble meeting (Le Monde)
Ségolène Royal’s main rival: Nicolas Sarkozy.
Sarkozy’s campaign is one of traditional “show-off” politics, straightforward ideas, strategic placements, and endless sound bites. Sarkozy, while a persuasive and eloquent speaker, seems predictable and uninspiring – almost redundant. On the other hand, Ségolène has revolutionized French campaigns. She is representing the Parti Socialiste in an unprecedented way: she has created a “listening” experiment through what she has deemed “participative democracy.” Ségolène has evaluated the societal condition and general sentiment to recognize the same thing that I found through many interviews and cultural immersion: the French are ready for change. Now. Ségolène has clear motives and she has based them on the situation around her. By aligning her campaign to specific initiatives that are different from all other politicians, she has given herself leverage to understand the public, and simultaneously for the public to feel understood. Ségolène has created an “I don’t have all the answers” approach to politics, giving people a forum to express their concerns.
Ségolène Royal, an impeccable leader, is not all talk. She has organized a series of four participative debates, the Grenoble meeting being the last of them. In these debates there is no set “boss” or political party influence, and the audience is situated in a casual participative setting. Ségolène’s role is to listen. At the end of the debates, Ségolène gives 60-minute speeches expressing what she has learned and what she plans to do with this information. She ensures the main focus of these meetings is on the audience, not on her. By summarizing her findings, she reaffirms her commitment to responding to prevalent concerns and making the people feel they are actually being listened to. She is not necessarily speaking to a new audience, yet Ségolène is preaching in an unconventional way. This tactic seems brilliant.
In addition to these four, very advertised, debates, Ségolène has organized over 5,000 smaller meetings on her behalf with other delegates of the Parti Socialiste. She delegates effectively, making sure people everywhere feel they have the opportunity to reach her. Ségolène has removed the elusive expectation the public has of French politicians, and turned her role into a person that can be related to.
Ségolène advocates for involvement on her campaign by all types of people – young, old, experienced, inexperienced. While it is crucial that her campaign manager, and representatives across France are well versed on her specific policy initiatives as well as on general election strategies, by offering these public meetings, Ségolène has introduced a way to include the public in her efforts – supporting the skills and interests of the French people.
While running a political campaign is clearly different from a standard CEO type role, Ségolène must embody the same characteristics of impeccable organizational skills, persuasiveness, understanding competition, creating relevance, and mastering a way to articulate her vision. While normal CEO’s must be transparent to a certain extent in their particular industry, Ségolène must be transparent in every capacity to the entire world – this definitely turns the pressure up.
While Ségolène’s polls have yet to skyrocket, she is still neck and neck with Sarkozy. Her unique strategy to running her “company/campaign” has been criticized, yet ultimately, I am confidant, her innovative approach will prove worthwhile.
More Information/Resources:
http://www.lemonde.fr/web/article/0,1-0@2-823448,36-863424,0.html
http://www.lemonde.fr/web/article/0,1-0@2-823448,36-863225,0.html
http://www.lemonde.fr/web/sequence/0,2-823448,1-0,0.html
http://aawsat.com/english/news.asp?section=3&id=7862
- News Reporter at the Grenoble meeting (Le Monde)
Ségolène Royal’s main rival: Nicolas Sarkozy.
Sarkozy’s campaign is one of traditional “show-off” politics, straightforward ideas, strategic placements, and endless sound bites. Sarkozy, while a persuasive and eloquent speaker, seems predictable and uninspiring – almost redundant. On the other hand, Ségolène has revolutionized French campaigns. She is representing the Parti Socialiste in an unprecedented way: she has created a “listening” experiment through what she has deemed “participative democracy.” Ségolène has evaluated the societal condition and general sentiment to recognize the same thing that I found through many interviews and cultural immersion: the French are ready for change. Now. Ségolène has clear motives and she has based them on the situation around her. By aligning her campaign to specific initiatives that are different from all other politicians, she has given herself leverage to understand the public, and simultaneously for the public to feel understood. Ségolène has created an “I don’t have all the answers” approach to politics, giving people a forum to express their concerns.
Ségolène Royal, an impeccable leader, is not all talk. She has organized a series of four participative debates, the Grenoble meeting being the last of them. In these debates there is no set “boss” or political party influence, and the audience is situated in a casual participative setting. Ségolène’s role is to listen. At the end of the debates, Ségolène gives 60-minute speeches expressing what she has learned and what she plans to do with this information. She ensures the main focus of these meetings is on the audience, not on her. By summarizing her findings, she reaffirms her commitment to responding to prevalent concerns and making the people feel they are actually being listened to. She is not necessarily speaking to a new audience, yet Ségolène is preaching in an unconventional way. This tactic seems brilliant.
In addition to these four, very advertised, debates, Ségolène has organized over 5,000 smaller meetings on her behalf with other delegates of the Parti Socialiste. She delegates effectively, making sure people everywhere feel they have the opportunity to reach her. Ségolène has removed the elusive expectation the public has of French politicians, and turned her role into a person that can be related to.
Ségolène advocates for involvement on her campaign by all types of people – young, old, experienced, inexperienced. While it is crucial that her campaign manager, and representatives across France are well versed on her specific policy initiatives as well as on general election strategies, by offering these public meetings, Ségolène has introduced a way to include the public in her efforts – supporting the skills and interests of the French people.
While running a political campaign is clearly different from a standard CEO type role, Ségolène must embody the same characteristics of impeccable organizational skills, persuasiveness, understanding competition, creating relevance, and mastering a way to articulate her vision. While normal CEO’s must be transparent to a certain extent in their particular industry, Ségolène must be transparent in every capacity to the entire world – this definitely turns the pressure up.
While Ségolène’s polls have yet to skyrocket, she is still neck and neck with Sarkozy. Her unique strategy to running her “company/campaign” has been criticized, yet ultimately, I am confidant, her innovative approach will prove worthwhile.
More Information/Resources:
http://www.lemonde.fr/web/article/0,1-0@2-823448,36-863424,0.html
http://www.lemonde.fr/web/article/0,1-0@2-823448,36-863225,0.html
http://www.lemonde.fr/web/sequence/0,2-823448,1-0,0.html
http://aawsat.com/english/news.asp?section=3&id=7862
Sunday, January 21, 2007
A Female President of France?
January 21, 2007
After spending a glorious semester in Aix-en-Provence, France, I have become infatuated with all aspects of French culture. Not only is the food incredible, the general ambiance enticing, the rich ethos is ever apparent. While I was in Aix, the presidential primaries began, as well as the general bid for candidacy from a wide array of politicians. As a political science major, I yearned to immerse myself, first hand, in the thrilling opportunity to learn about a different country’s political process.
After arriving in France September 1st, 2007, I saw magazine covers of potential presidential candidates, I listened to passionate debates, and I saw both men and women situate themselves in the limelight and declare their candidacy. While the official French presidential campaign is supposed to start a mere two months before Election Day, just like in America, it became rapidly apparent that the real campaign begins much earlier.
My internship started with Olivier Sena, secretary of the Aix-en-Provence delegacy for the French Socialist Party (le Parti Socialiste). I continued interviewing members of different political parties, assisted with meetings and rallies, even worked at a precinct for the French socialist party presidential primaries. What did I discover? French politics are perpetually “face à face.” The left versus the right, men versus females, the candidate versus the political party, the extreme versus the republican, even the president versus the prime minister.
The French political system is a democracy. While two parties dominate the American system, the French seem to have a political party for nearly every political idea. The multi-party system permits each group, regardless of size, a potential voice in the government. No party possesses the majority, thus is it crucial to have alliances between parties to rally support and win elections. Since the 1974 presidential election (and the following 7 elections), it has been impossible to predict the final result more than six weeks in advance – there has always been a surprise outcome.
Currently, the two predominant candidates are Ségolène Royal and Nicolas Sarkozy. Ségolène Royal, a woman, has gained immense support, ignited great controversy, and has been an anchor during this entire election. Ségolène is the first woman to have an actual shot at being the next president of the Republic. She is a people person with strong leader-member exchange. Segolene turned what could have been her biggest weakness, being a woman, into fuel to perpetuate her campaign. At the first Socialist Party debate during the primaries, each candidate was asked to explain the predominant difference that separated them from the other two candidates. Ségolène stated the obvious: “I am a woman.” By acknowledging what is already clear, Ségolène got rid of the elephant in the room and exhibited her pride as a woman and that having two X chromosomes is not a weakness. Ségolène possesses style. She is articulate, personable, and can relate to the entire French populace. In each of her initiatives she strives to include public voice and incorporate the French sentiment. She has even proposed making a “people’s court” to evaluate the corrupt reputation of French politics (in a poll last year 60% of French people believe politicians are corrupt). Her ability to listen and understand the concerns of the public and take a proactive approach to problem solving highlights her integrity and authentic nature. Ségolène also exhibits situational leadership, portrayed by her ability to respond to an array of scenarios as they arise. She has been victim to criticism of all sorts: her lack of knowledge about the military, international politics, and her inability to articulate tangible and practical ideas. Still, she is currently the strongest candidate, surpassing her biggest rival, Nicolas Sarkozy, the current Prime Minister.
Ségolène has marketed her ability to change and revolutionize French politics. After spending four months in France, it is clear the populace is yearning for change. Her skills as an orator, a strong woman, and her vision for progressive reform makes Ségolène a true leader.
Henri Rey, a researcher at the Centre pour l'étude de la Politique Française à Paris stated, “It is impossible to classify Ségolène in the socialist party, you cannot say that she is on the right, left, or even center.” Ségolène Royal transcends traditional political party boundaries, giving her a real chance to create history as the first female president of France, May 2007.
After spending a glorious semester in Aix-en-Provence, France, I have become infatuated with all aspects of French culture. Not only is the food incredible, the general ambiance enticing, the rich ethos is ever apparent. While I was in Aix, the presidential primaries began, as well as the general bid for candidacy from a wide array of politicians. As a political science major, I yearned to immerse myself, first hand, in the thrilling opportunity to learn about a different country’s political process.
After arriving in France September 1st, 2007, I saw magazine covers of potential presidential candidates, I listened to passionate debates, and I saw both men and women situate themselves in the limelight and declare their candidacy. While the official French presidential campaign is supposed to start a mere two months before Election Day, just like in America, it became rapidly apparent that the real campaign begins much earlier.
My internship started with Olivier Sena, secretary of the Aix-en-Provence delegacy for the French Socialist Party (le Parti Socialiste). I continued interviewing members of different political parties, assisted with meetings and rallies, even worked at a precinct for the French socialist party presidential primaries. What did I discover? French politics are perpetually “face à face.” The left versus the right, men versus females, the candidate versus the political party, the extreme versus the republican, even the president versus the prime minister.
The French political system is a democracy. While two parties dominate the American system, the French seem to have a political party for nearly every political idea. The multi-party system permits each group, regardless of size, a potential voice in the government. No party possesses the majority, thus is it crucial to have alliances between parties to rally support and win elections. Since the 1974 presidential election (and the following 7 elections), it has been impossible to predict the final result more than six weeks in advance – there has always been a surprise outcome.
Currently, the two predominant candidates are Ségolène Royal and Nicolas Sarkozy. Ségolène Royal, a woman, has gained immense support, ignited great controversy, and has been an anchor during this entire election. Ségolène is the first woman to have an actual shot at being the next president of the Republic. She is a people person with strong leader-member exchange. Segolene turned what could have been her biggest weakness, being a woman, into fuel to perpetuate her campaign. At the first Socialist Party debate during the primaries, each candidate was asked to explain the predominant difference that separated them from the other two candidates. Ségolène stated the obvious: “I am a woman.” By acknowledging what is already clear, Ségolène got rid of the elephant in the room and exhibited her pride as a woman and that having two X chromosomes is not a weakness. Ségolène possesses style. She is articulate, personable, and can relate to the entire French populace. In each of her initiatives she strives to include public voice and incorporate the French sentiment. She has even proposed making a “people’s court” to evaluate the corrupt reputation of French politics (in a poll last year 60% of French people believe politicians are corrupt). Her ability to listen and understand the concerns of the public and take a proactive approach to problem solving highlights her integrity and authentic nature. Ségolène also exhibits situational leadership, portrayed by her ability to respond to an array of scenarios as they arise. She has been victim to criticism of all sorts: her lack of knowledge about the military, international politics, and her inability to articulate tangible and practical ideas. Still, she is currently the strongest candidate, surpassing her biggest rival, Nicolas Sarkozy, the current Prime Minister.
Ségolène has marketed her ability to change and revolutionize French politics. After spending four months in France, it is clear the populace is yearning for change. Her skills as an orator, a strong woman, and her vision for progressive reform makes Ségolène a true leader.
Henri Rey, a researcher at the Centre pour l'étude de la Politique Française à Paris stated, “It is impossible to classify Ségolène in the socialist party, you cannot say that she is on the right, left, or even center.” Ségolène Royal transcends traditional political party boundaries, giving her a real chance to create history as the first female president of France, May 2007.
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