Letters
A democratic crisis is undermining France's political confidence
Connexion reader notes that the country wants and needs change
France is compared to a shipwreck, as depicted in 'The Raft of the Medusa' painted by Théodore Géricault in 1819 (pictured: Géricault's tomb in Paris' Père Lachaise cemetery)
Devis M/Shutterstock
To the Editor,
In response to Nick Inman's article titled Reports of France's death are greatly exaggerated (Connexion, October).
Really, Mr Inman should not worry about an article in a newspaper which is known to snipe at all things French from time to time.
No, of course France is not dying, but by next year we may face a France coming apart. We are at sea on something similar to Géricault's Raft of the Medusa.
In a French government survey last year, 74% of those who took part had no confidence in the French presidency, while 86% had no faith in the French political parties. A further 83% believed that their elected politicians act primarily for their own personal interests.
The Fifth Republic has served its purpose, designed by Charles de Gaulle for the needs of France in 1958. The executive powers of presidency are no longer fitting. France is divided: a democratic crisis is undermining the country's political confidence.
I also gather from Mr Inman's letter that in his market town he can see the locals enjoying a coffee and croissant every morning. That is a pleasant image, but perhaps a little romantic.
My rural town has a population of 3,569 - 21% live in poverty and 2,519 are over the age of 45 (of which 1,530 are retired). France has reached a poverty level not seen since the 1970's. In 2024, around 15.4% of the population fell into poverty.
Yes, France is very much alive, Mr Inman, but wanting and needing change, lest a helmeted figure steps forward to impose further authority within the current dysfunctional system.
C.M., by email.
