Le Pen...

[Robert Harley]

>I suspect these protests might actually boost Le Pen's vote
>total, above what he would have received had the protesters
>stayed home and simply voted against him.

Yes, that fear is widespread, but it is generally believed that it
applied to the first few protests which turned violent.  In recent days,
and especially yesterday, everyone was very careful to march calmly,
in order, in good humour, with security from private firms brought in
to ensure that everything went smoothly (plus the cops).

One day recently, people were similarly concerned when headline news
reported about a guy got who beaten up by some thugs who then set fire
to his house (I guess that in the US that might just about make a
short column in the back pages of the local newspaper).  The violence,
or at least perception of violence, especially among old rural people
who are far-removed from it, was likely to boost Le Pen's support.


>but *someone* has to say these things, and this is my only chance to
>express my discontent."

It is generally held that that is what the first round is for.
Hopefully much less so in the second round, and the main issue will
be with left-wing abstainers.  An IPSOS poll three days ago gave a
78% - 22% split, although there are rumours circulating of secret
reports suggesting Le Pen could do better than that...


Bye,
  Rob.
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