English riots - as seen from France

One of the critical differences between France and England is the way in which English voters are so remote from the levers of power.

In my French village, the Mayor and the Mairie have real power (and funds) determine the quality of life and secure the good of its inhabitants. In my English village the Parish Council has very little money and almost no power to act without the permission of the Local Authority.

Even in the larger cities, the parallel holds true. Englanders of all classes experience (to varying degrees) a dislocation from the levers of power and influence. Odd bouts of electoral activity do not replace the intimacy between a Mayor and the inhabitants of their village / commune / town.

Jenny Seckseron