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Democratic decisions, the French version

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I always wonder about the French democratic culture, when any decision that is upsetting to a segment of the population send people to violent protest. While I understand the benefit of the minorities to limits the scope of new government abilities to impose policies that will badly effect them, it seems that the French political culture embracing this type of riots as the first solution to any unpleasant political solution.

PARIS, France (AP) — France’s defeated Socialists called for an end to post-election violence Tuesday after anti-Sarkozy protestors took to the streets for a second night, leaving cars burned and store windows smashed in Paris as well as unrest elsewhere.

While the unrest has been small-scale, it sent a message to Nicolas Sarkozy: He may have won the presidency, but he hasn’t won over the many French who consider him — and his free-market reforms and tough line on crime and immigration — frighteningly brutal.

 

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Written by Rogel

May 9th, 2007 at 10:41 am

Posted in Liberal Democracy

« Logic not included
Focusing on the unimportant »

Viewing 2 Comments

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    What we are actually talking about is the tension between the decisions of the majority and the protecting the rights of the minorities.
    For example: Is the question of same sex marriage is up to the majority to decide, or is it part of human rights that are protected? I tend to believe that in Liberal Democracy the balance favor the protection of the rights of the minorities.
    That being said, I believe that the strength of Democratic Culture is in the process of managing disputes. It seems that in France they are favoring to test the majority's will by building barricades.
    And I agree with your last comment - it is very similar to what is going now in Israel, and it isn't a good sign.
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    You know… this is also a good example of the way many misunderstand the modern concept of democratic regime. Democracies do allow for (some forms of) civil protest, but it is by far NOT what this system is about. Democracies, like any other regime type have (and must have) governments and these must carry out policies that will, at times, offend some. Those offended can inflict their will on government, but, in a well balanced democracy, this is done by elections. And that is what all those who desire this regime type should strive for... the transformation of power via electoral process. Not by violent protest…
    By-the-way, that sure goes for my what's going on here lately too…

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