Bid to give local vote to all expats
Martine Aubry is calling for all foreign residents to be given the right to vote in municipal elections
SOCIALIST Party leader Martine Aubry is calling for all foreign residents to be given the right to vote in municipal elections - not just EU citizens as now.
The comes ahead of next month’s regional elections - in which only French citizens can vote - but it has been part of socialist policy for 30 years.
Politicians in France have been taking part in a debate on French national identity, led by the governing UMP party, which critics claim has degenerated into racism and Islamophobia.
Ms Aubry said: "Let’s move away from the rhetoric about integration and foreigners. Enough - we need to take action."
The debate may have gained the UMP support from Front National voters ahead of the regional elections. Currently the socialists and left-wing parties have control of all but two of the regions.
The identity campaign was launched by Immigration Minister Eric Besson, a former Socialist, who caused surprise when he appeared to support Ms Aubry on giving foreign residents the vote, although he said it was too early and would be better 10 years from now. EU citizens have been allowed to vote - and stand - in municipal elections since 2001 and the PS would extend this to all foreign residents.
British nationals living in France have to register for a proxy or postal vote ahead of the next UK General Election which must be called by June 3.
The Connexion website has details of the way to register for proxy or postal votes: go to www.connexionfrance.com and search for "Register to vote" and you can download a form.
