A oday Following the article on democracy and its application to specific cases of Côte d'Ivoire.
The reasons for choosing Ouattara. First, elections were successfully held. Gbagbo had confidence in his destiny, but the Ivorian people did not follow. But why?
Mainly unemployment and the economic situation. Ouattara, whose work as deputy director of the IMF was not so bad and who was, at other times, the last Prime Minister of President Houphouet-Boigny symbol of an era of prosperity, was convinced of the soundness of its economic program during the televised debate. For its part, Gbagbo seemed more concerned about the idea of demonstrating that Ouattara was a troublemaker, a terrorist or that he was not Ivorian for re-election. Still, in this debate, Ouattara Gbagbo denounced the inaction of the employment front, youth unemployment and simply the Ivorian daily. Gbagbo left reflected that his main goal to prevent the arrival in power of Ouattara and the fate of non-Ivorian. Is to misunderstand the Ivorian many of whom have had their situation deteriorate just by applying the concept of Ivorian. "
The nostalgia for a thriving economy for the older ones, fear of unemployment for young people alongside the importance given to "ivoirité have been the main reasons for this vote.
The role of France. If a French intervention as they have always done in Africa is not possible, the context is not exactly the same as before. In 2004, none of neither side wanted the intervention of France, because this intervention prevented the two sides to fight and thus resolve the situation between them by guns. The intervention of France and therefore the Licorne were decided to preserve the lives of civilians and not to resolve the situation on the political level while in the present context, France has been careful not to step in and pushed for this to be an African solution that is implemented, whether by the African Union or ECOWAS (Economic Community of West Africa). France has also expected that the UN and its Secretary-General take the floor while pushing the United States of America to intervene so we just do not accuse him to intervene. With this attitude, Paris takes the risk of seeing its influence in its former colonial empire in decline, but an alternative seems more risky politically.
This time, the international community has intervened and is unanimous in recognizing the victory of Ouattara, Africans as Europeans, Americans and many others. Intervention of France would then necessarily be in an international context, under the aegis UN. The UN itself has not the strength nor the political strength to force the destiny, it is that France, the former regional power to act. A bit like in Korea in the 1950s when the Anglo-American forces were but the UN mandate. Only the flag was then changed on the uniforms of soldiers. All things considered, should the UN calls on France, if necessary with the help of African countries to respond to this to enforce the will of the Ivorian people.
This intervention sought by the elected president Alassane Ouattara, can also be justified by the violence, killings of supporters of Ivorian and crimes committed by paramilitaries and mercenaries under the orders of Gbagbo.
What action? The situation is complex. The difficulties of the Ivorian democracy are not searching in the major democratic principles but more in a local economy and very special blend ivoirité. The debate on "ivoirité approaches also another debate on French identity this time. In both cases, suggesting that the debate should be a certain purity to be a citizen of a country further undermined democracy than it has strengthened.
practice, except that Laurent Gbagbo decided to return to reason, an armed intervention seems inevitable. Yes, it will not be a cakewalk and there will almost certainly victims but should we let people suffer violence and being robbed of his destiny. The role of the West is also responding to requests for assistance sent to it by the peoples of those countries where democracy is fragile. In Afghanistan, the West turned a blind eye and has argued that lip Commander Massoud, he had to die and that the attacks hit the United States at the heart reacts to the West.
Another memory that should motivate us to act: fear of another Rwanda. At the time, France had ignored and / or allowed to do things until it is too late. Côte d'Ivoire, the border with genocide is not so thick you think. The kidnapping of supporters of Ouattara, speedy executions by Liberian mercenaries, the discovery of mass graves at the gates of Abidjan are reasons enough to act.
T lways following section of the Heretic, here are the following analysis. In his article, there are two things: a reflection on democracy in general and its application to developing countries especially in Africa, and then a specific application to the case of Côte d'Ivoire. Following this division, I offer you a part of democracy and a more specific case of Côte d'Ivoire.
Democracy is not required. In forum, Guy Sitbon wrote that France can not act in the Ivorian crisis without his action against him. It was not so wrong, because that is what happened during the attempted takeover by the "Forces Nouvelles" in 2004 after the Marcoussis agreements. Accused by the rebels to cut them in their tracks by Gbagbo and not to apply the defense agreement signed in the early independence of Côte d'Ivoire.
The current situation is slightly different since France has been careful not to intervene. One can share his opinion on one thing: democracy not necessary.
It should be made clear "Democracy is not necessary ... It is being built. "
Heretic said that" democracy is not the reign of a majority, it is the product of consensus. . In reality, though! A majority can impose its will over a given period is the essence of representative democracy.
If the vision of democracy is the belief that it is sufficient to hold free elections for democracy reality is wrong, because things are more complicated. Democracy takes time to build.
A telling example is the implementation of the republican idea of the Third Republic in the spirit of the French. In his time there was a kind of democratic dictatorship of the Republicans to implement the republican idea. Its location was long and difficult as evidenced by the clashes between secularists and believers, reactions to education by the hussars of the Republic. Only gradually, when the republican idea has taken root and there was agreement on how the majority to exercise his will that the radicals have accepted that the right to participate in power and gain a majority.
This construction of democracy is seen elsewhere in Iraq where a consensus is beginning to be found on how to exercise power. The violent upheavals of the early, followed by a period of relative calm between the participants in power and the fight against terrorist groups like Al Qaeda. Of course, these upheavals have not disappeared and the persecution of Christians in this country remind us. However one can not deny real progress.
"Manners before the law." Heretic said that democracy is not a matter of law. True, but without the right, its construction and performance are simply impossible. The law is an essential element, necessary for democracy and the two are inextricably linked. Found in these words, the words of Montesquieu gives an important role to "morals."
Again, this is not false, but one must understand the idea of morals in the sense that it had the eighteenth century and not in the modern sense is quite different. The old meaning is much broader than the current direction, which changes many things. In reality, this means that our friend "character" is not limited to driving, but is the method of construction of thought. And it takes time.
however, suggest that democracy is a problem of rich and can not emerge in countries in difficult circumstances or poor, is a mistake. If the examples of democracy are not legions in the South, there are few. Botswana is one with an effective health system that have few resources, with a healthy democracy that works pretty well. Other countries in Asia or South America show that anything is possible. Here, again this was made possible by a will, and following a structure that has taken time, long time.
D previous years a point, you could find a summary of events leading to the current situation of the independence of Cote d'Ivoire in 2000. Period marked by strong economic development and the emergence of the concept "ivoirité" . We also see the principal protaganistes emerge on the political current.
Today you will find a summary of the events of the last decade that began with a military dictatorship, leading to the current situation. You can see the rise of Laurent Gbagbo, which led him to deny Ouattara and always persistent latent concept "ivoirité" which literally poisoned political life and life itself in this country.
Suite. Act IV - The election Laurent Gbagbo. In October of that year, the vote count reveals that General Guei, head of the military junta, came in second place behind Laurent Gbagbo. Despite the results, he proclaimed himself president and tries to maintain power by force. The hostility and determination to push the population into the streets. It is quickly joined by the Ivorian police. Following protests, the Election Commission then declared Gbagbo the winner of the presidential election. In the parliamentary elections after the party Gbagbo won 96 seats out of 223 but less than the 98 IBD Henri Konan Bedie. The party da Ouattara, the RDR boycotted the election, still gets 4 MPs.
In 2002, several attempts to "coup" taking place in three cities including Abidjan (economic capital) and Bouaké (economic hub of central China). Assassination attempts took place against Alassane Ouattara and against the defense minister. The interior minister and his bodyguards are killed. "Rebels" as challenging the power of Laurent Gbagbo, then President Republic of Cote d'Ivoire, the concept of Ivorian. They consist mainly of former military expelled from the army under the military junta under the concept of "ivoirité.
are distinguished in particular among the rebel leaders, a certain Guillaume Soro who was running mate to the 2000 parliamentary Ms. Henriette Diabate, secretary general of the RDR, the party of Ouattara.
Act V - The French intervention and the Marcoussis agreements. France, first reticent, finally resolved to intervene more to protect its nationals and their economic interests to implement the defense agreement signed with the government of Ivory Coast. However, applying this agreement, the French military halt the advancing rebels and the saving power of Laurent Gbagbo.
However, France considers that some of the rebels' demands are in order including the Ivorian and the injustices that this concept entails.
For Laurent Gbagbo, the rebels are former soldiers just want to destabilize it with the support of Burkina Faso.
To defuse the situation talks are held in France in Marcoussis. They lead to agreements which provide for: - maintaining Laurent Gbagbo to power until the next elections; - a government of national unity; - implementation an interposition force.
Just signed agreements are denounced by Laurent Gbagbo, who states that he has forced his hand. Riots French anti-burst to support it.
A year later, in 2004, the Security Council of the UN decides to send a peacekeeping force. However, transactions between forces loyal to President Gbagbo and the rebels do not stop.
France, caught between two fires, is accused by Gbagbo and the rebels to protect not to respect the defense agreement signed with the Ivorian government but also to prevent the rebels enjoy their military advantage and to Abidjan, the capital the country.
Further negotiations are undertaken and an agreement signed but things hang. Hoping to break the deadlock, Laurent Gbagbo sent warplanes to bomb the rebels in the west and French soldiers in Bouake. Officially, the bombing against the French troops is a mistake, but it appears quickly that it is voluntary and was ordained at the top of the Ivorian government by Laurent Gbagbo. Immediately, Jacques Chirac ordered a response. The selected option is then the destruction of some aircraft component "The Air Force" Ivorian to limit casualties.
In response, anti-French riots leave more beautiful and result in massive looting and targeted organized by the supporting Gbagbo youth movement against the French and West. Many French and foreign nationals were evacuated by helicopter from the French army whose military base in Abidjan was besieged by young supporters of Laurent Gbagbo. The French military fired into the crowd reaction causing several deaths and numerous injuries.
Act VI - Out of crisis. In 2005, the peace process is once again restarted. It ends in 2007 with the Ouagadougou agreement, which provides: - the appointment of a transitional government; - the abolition of the so-called confidence zone between loyalists and rebels. Following this, a reform of the electoral rolls allows the inclusion of three million new voters due to an attenuation of the principle of Ivorian.
Act VII - Bis repetita. end of 2010, after several postponements, presidential elections are held. On the evening of the 1st round, Laurent Gbagbo leads with 38% of the votes, followed closely by Alassane Ouattara with 32% and Bédié with 25% of the vote. All three are old local political actors in the country. No candidate was able to gather a majority of votes, a runoff is held. An agreement has apparently happened between Ouattara and Bedie, former political adversaries, and leads to a postponement of the vote as well late November, Ouattara is declared winner after repeatedly postponing the announcement of results by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).
The results of the CIS, it would win the election with 54.1% of the vote against 45.9% for the incumbent. Immediately, supporters of Laurent Gbagbo challenge these results. A few days after the announcement of results by the IEC, the Ivorian Constitutional Council, chaired by a relative of Laurent Gbagbo, announces the contrary, the election of Laurent Gbagbo with 51% of the vote after the invalidation of the ballot in several polling stations in the north.
Laurent Gbagbo then lends oath with great fanfare, followed shortly by President-elect Ouattara who has the support of the international community. Gbagbo increasingly isolated nonetheless continues to cling to power.
D delivered his last years, the well known "Heretic" we made a point of view ... rather surprising on a hot topic particularly difficult 's it is, namely the political crisis currently going through Cote d'Ivoire. He reacts to it playing a gallery of Guy Sitbon, Tunisian-born French journalist.
Nevertheless, the view is quite original, it seems essential to revisit the events that led us to the current situation. It is indeed the root of evil is to look far upstream.
Back then the historical events that led us to where we are now. This summary does not purport to be perfect, so it may contain errors and move quickly on matters that do not necessarily current events. Also, thank you to take it as it is, namely a summary.
Act I - The emergence and development of the "Franco". Following decolonization, France is implementing a new policy in Africa with the blessing of the United States. At the time, it is the cold war and the United States entrust the role of gendarme of Africa to France because Africa was a good part of its former colonial empire. This policy, intended by General de Gaulle and Jacques Foccart establishment. It aims So through networks of diplomatic and economic influence to ensure the political stability of African countries in order to provide a context for the various economic activities but mainly consisting in the extraction and export of raw materials such as oil, gas, timber, metals more or less rare, etc.. etc.. We soon gave him a name: "Franco." This term was invented by Felix Houphouet-Boigny, whose wish was to keep keep close contacts with France in order to ensure their political power.
latter, after emerging on the political scene under the Fourth Republic, becomes President of the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire in 1960 and continued until 1993. During his "reign", he imprisoned during the 1970s and in 1982 a union leader deemed "subversive" and his wife, a Laurent Gbagbo and his wife Simone. In 1988, they returned from exile in 1990 during the presidential election in which it occurs, it generates nearly 18% of the vote against Felix Houphouet-Boigny. In 1991 and 1992 have held large demonstrations as students in 1982 following which 18 February 1992, Laurent Gbagbo is rearrested and sentenced to two years in prison farm but is freed after just six months. At the time, Prime Minister of Côte d'Ivoire has a certain ... Alassane Ouattara.
Also during this "reign," Ivory Coast is growing strongly and even became a country of immigration. The country relies so heavily on immigrants for its plantations of its northern neighbors. Residence cards and other naturalization are so broad agreement.
End of Act I.
Act II - The period Bedie and the concept of "ivoirité. In 1993, Felix Houphouet-Boigny died without designating a successor or promoted. According the Ivorian constitution, so this is the president of the National Assembly, Henri Konan Bedie some who became president and promotes the concept of "ivoirité who meets a certain resonance following the many waves of migration which country needed to support its economic development. The Ivorian is the idea that to be truly Ivorian he would have his four grandparents were Ivorian. In 1995, following a reform of the electoral code Henri Konan Bedie was elected president with 96.44% of the vote in a poll boycotted by his political opponents who denounce the introduction of the "Ivorian" as a criterion for candidacy. In fact, it introduces the principle to oust his main political rival of the era, namely the last Prime Minister Felix Houphouet-Boigny, Alassane Ouattara. He thus tries to attract the support of people plunged into crisis since the country no longer creates massive employment, is a breeding ground development of xenophobia.
Alassane Ouattara, whose parents are both Ivorian but certainly from the north of the country where immigration was important. He was educated in Burkina Faso, the largest of which is from the immigrant labor, and is a Muslim while the Ivorians in the south are Christians.
Act III - The military dictatorship. In 1999, Henri Konan Bedie was overthrown by a coup instigated by militants following an attempt at reforming the constitution and allowing him to remain in power until 75.
The military takeover is then endorsed by the opposition parties of the time, the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI, left) of Laurent Gbagbo and the Rally of Republicans in Côte d'Ivoire (RDR, center) Alassane Ouattara. After several coup attempts, military supporters of Alassane Ouattara went into exile in Burkina Faso.
In 2000 a new constitution was adopted, with the support of all political parties including those of Gbagbo and Ouattara. The basic text is still using the concept of Ivorian. Indeed, can not stand Ivorians born of Ivorian parents themselves. Accordingly, a campaign identification is launched. Alassane Ouattara is presented once again but his application was rejected along with all the nominations submitted by the movement of Henri Konan Bedie, the Democratic Party of Côte d'Ivoire (PDCI). Alassane Ouattara is then considered non-Ivorian. In total, 14 out of 20 candidates have their candidacy canceled.
L e Saturday, December 11, 2010 was held the 3rd Congress Young Democrats. A Congress that would raise as much as launching tracks for the future. Ultimately, what is it?
Update. Beyond the beautiful Yankee organization, convention is traditionally the occasion for an update of documents setting out the operating rules of an association or a movement. Young Democrats did not escape this compulsory exercise made all the more necessary that a rationalization of structures and instruments at its disposal is made clearly apparent. The renewed flexibility in relation to modes of operation a bit too rigid will restore momentum to the structure.
One point, however, aroused more debate than others: the question of parity. Young Democrats, like its counterparts on the left or right, are facing a lack of interest young people in general for political phenomenon in women increased substantially in terms of minority enrollment.
Motions policies. Another important consideration of the different contributions and their presentation by each of the vice presidents. This aspect is very important because on many issues, youth offer different solutions on topical issues.
This interesting moment, nevertheless suffered from certain lengths or red. Lack of time to make a synthesis? Willingness to do too much? Still, that moment was marked by a profusion of some interesting ideas, some less, others whose connection with the basic theme that seemed more tenuous.
If you can not deny the immense effort that the task to synthesize the many messages sent, do not forget about that light is more effective than moults developments and other theoretical justifications.
exchange with François Bayrou. the eve of the 3rd congress of the Democratic Movement, Francois Bayrou came during a meeting time to share with young Democrats so relaxed. A long-awaited moment, far too often organized exchanges between party leaders and their youth movements like you see now too.
A valued and valuable time, but, again, was done mainly on education. Important topic for young people and taking to heart in how to François Bayrou, this theme has occupied the bulk of trade, that it is regrettable because the young are not just interested in education and proposals to make in other areas such as employment or health. If other issues have been addressed as vocational training or the issue of public finances, we can not help thinking that the opportunity was missed to show that reflection on youth policy is to scale.
We can always argue qu'interrompre trade on the educational theme to switch to something else would have reduced spontaneity, but sometimes it is necessary to streamline facilitate a more productive.
What have we learned? This third conference will be remembered that the crowd was at the rendezvous. If proximity to the third congress of the Democratic Movement has helped many youth at this event could not have made the effort to come to the 3rd Conference of Young Democrats. A crowd quite well managed by an efficient organization, which has prevented it from having to face some unexpected light.
In terms of ideas, there has been a willingness intact to emerge not only ideas but also a different and complementary project to the one developed by the conventional structures of the modem. Project nevertheless appropriate to clarify and improve the structure so that it fits perfectly to the project that will Bayrou in the next key event for France, namely the 2012 presidential election.
Christmas is coming! We must begin to prepare this feast magic decorate the tree with balls, garlands and other accessories, crib, entry and living room of our house, start looking for gifts for family and especially for children Santa Claus waiting impatiently, and then think about the menu Christmas Eve.
Merry Christmas Merry Christmas
Here's a Christmas carols most famous of the French repertoire and has been published for the first time in 1874. The melody is even older date since the days of King Louis XV (eighteenth century).
C nd Saturday is held the 3rd Congress of the Young Democrats. A conference to be held on the eve of another, that of the modem, to mobilize young people around the new project youth. The clear victory of the list "Free & engaged" in recent elections but especially the young beautiful strong momentum since the renewal of the Directorates of many outstanding youth federations or the launching of various projects has shown that the will was there.
be confirmed. Still, the hardest is not to throw things but to translate this commitment into concrete projects, to confirm that it is not just a temporary movement. Too often, we realized that the goodwill of the first days, months fell like a souffle.
A first sign can be read into the program with special emphasis on this day congress will be conducted with an iron fist for not accumulate too late. There will be a thought for the National Council of Young Democrats that chains all afternoon, discussions, reviews of decisions and votes from 14h to 20h. Fluke: they will receive a coffee break to take.
What prospects? This conference is part of the Young Democrats of course in preparation for the presidential election. This deadline for which Francois Bayrou has sacrificed everything or almost is, indeed, not to be missed. However, the Young Democrats will have many things to show. First, they must show they are not that good little soldiers and they are able not only to provide ideas interesting, innovative and especially to be able to maintain some independence vis-à- vis their elders, as most good ideas are born of the debate.
They will also have to completely overhaul the political message to send to young people. Too often, young political movements appear as "young old" in the traditional way of communicating. A strategy that shows ineffective if you look at the record abstention rate among young French. It is therefore necessary to restate the message and reach young people with a message, a method and ideas on topics that speak to them.
word from hunger? be seen, the task is arduous. But to win without risk is no triumph does one not without glory?
E n effect, the draft law reforming the local authorities on which the Constitutional Council been called upon to decide just be a partial censorship by the sages of the Palais Royal.
A Gap ... In this case, the Constitutional Council has censured an annex to the text. Specifically, a table annexed fixing the number of advisers in six territorial departments. Indeed, the difference in numbers of territorial advisors with respect to the regional average was more than substantial because more than 20% at that territorial average.
The departments concerned are: - Meuse in Lorraine; - Cantal in Auvergne; - in the Aude region Languedoc-Roussillon ; - Haute-Garonne in Midi-Pyrenees - Mayenne in Pays of the Loire; - and Savoy for the Rhone-Alps.
Differences ... But what is the rest of the text, the Constitutional Council has approved all of the provisions. And it is perhaps here that we should worry. Many have perhaps forgotten but the draft law reforming local Land was made by the will of the state against local authorities. The Senate, where they are represented, after several attempts to alter the text in a more friendly community, has seen his project thrown into oblivion in the second reading by the National Assembly which led to a disagreement between the two assemblies.
Reminder: In accordance with the constitution when the text concerns the local authorities, consideration of the bill must first pass first by the Senate. Though in practice this does not change much on the symbolic level, this aspect is not be neglected because it shows that the text will be first examined by the representatives of those it concerns first.
In other words, and to be more clear, the reform of local government took place without local authorities. The method used for the adoption of this text is usually in the Sarkozy era. What is less problematic and is that this text will apply to more than 36 000 municipalities, with a big hundred departments, the 26 regions without forgetting the EPCI (establishments of intercommunal cooperation, more commonly known as intercommunalities) and their public institutions. It did seem like much but all these entities weigh more than 70% of public procurement in France.
This text presented as a reform were actually two main objectives: - reorganizing communities to allow a victory for the right even in an unfavorable context for it; - to bear by local and regional efforts to reduce public debt.
Here is the problem and source of future uncertainty because we learn at the same time on the part of reporters Parliamentarians for PLF 2011 (draft budget law or budget) of things we already knew, namely that the government act the removal of business tax, the main resource of local authorities, without really knowing what was or how much it would cost. At the very least by the UMP which lifted the hare would be missing despite the new taxes created to compensate for the shortfall: 2.7 billion euros. Probably more practical.
In times of famine budget, and while the purchasing power of the president promised he would not be the president who would increase taxes, this makes task. A task that the French will realize on their next note of local taxes.
A oday station of Cambrai mobilization takes place now increasingly common in France: a gathering at the station to request the continuation of the line-Corail Paris Maubeuge .
One case among many. In recent years, emphasis has been placed at the station on profitability. While it is normal that a company seeking to make profits, it is important to remember that the station is not a business among others but a public company. More precisely, the public company with a monopoly or near passenger transport by rail. Also, within this specific mission, its role is to manage the existing network, but also, in collaboration with Réseau Ferré de France (RFF) to develop. However, it is only in recent years, development is focused on high speed lines and generating more profitable use than traditional railway lines.
working while the Grenelle Environment wished to encourage the development of rail transport and the not so distant rising fuel prices has led almost immediately by a substantial increase in the use of regional express trains, the famous TER.
But as France is not just at high speed, there are still many lines inter-regional or country served by Corail trains.
An essential role. The classic lines served by Corail trains out of age and whose lines are poorly maintained, however, make an essential service: a real public service role. Indeed, these trains run often secondary cities or even some prefectures of rural departments. Destinations often ignored by high-speed lines as not profitable enough. These lines are nevertheless used not only by professionals but also by the poorly-economically advantaged and do not necessarily afford a car, namely students, poor people, some families.
Yet despite these tremendous service, SNCF seeks at all costs to remove them to focus only on high speed. Instead of reinvesting in the lines and rolling stock, RFF and SNCF decrease the carts to discourage the use of these lines, making them de facto as a line closure. Passengers are then requested to reach major cities served, they, with great speed. So what if it amounts to 100 to 200 km longer, saving time minimal, we must use the high speed line.
Solutions exist! Yet it would be easy enough to increase the attractiveness of these trains. By upgrading the lines in order to run trains rotary wing can travel up to 240km / h. In taking this decision, it would reduce travel times and encourage motorists to abandon their cars prefer the train. Yes, but here, this requires strong political decisions and leave the ideology of all-TGV. It is illusory to believe that the TGV is suitable for all domestic destinations as it is illusory to believe that we can do without the car in the city in the state of public transport networks.
Also, it is necessary to mobilize not only to maintain these lines but also, finally, they are modernizing.
J HURSDAY last place award in the organization of World Cups 2018 and 2022. After Brazil in 2014, will be Russia in 2018 and most surprising Qatar in 2022. Immediately, many observers have been particularly British to assume some corruption of the members of FIFA.
Corruption? But no ... Note that the first whistleblower to know our British friends, have not hesitated to employ the same methods as those they criticize in Russia or Qatar for the Olympic Games in London. Corruption appears indeed common practice in the breasts of those companies have become the IOC and FIFA, which are more concentrated on contracts signed with industry and not the sport. Recall that the Dutch supporters were swiftly expelled from the grandstands of a South African stage for wearing orange robes supplied by the brewer Bavaria whose logo appeared only very discreetly, or as around Cup stadiums the world, there is a distance of 1 km in which the sale was reserved for " partners' Cup.
Ecology? You said ecology? Many people have seen the movie "Home " aired on France 2 shortly before the elections Europe. In this film, now known Yann Arthus-Bertrand, there stood an alarming state of our beautiful planet. Collage there was denounced giant cities, pollution, deforestation or intensive agriculture. At its release, the film had its small effect and with good reason. Meanwhile, Yann Arthus-Bertrand took the opportunity to develop its association Goodplanet whose funding is provided by multinationals whose ecological footprint is ... how to say ... Let us say frankly that it leaves to be desired. Although this association is launching innovative projects and funds projects to reduce the carbon footprint of people in developed countries, one can not help but note that the funding issue blurs the picture a little of this NGO. But back to football.
last Thursday, so at the Qatari bid presentation, you could see the same Yann Arthus-Bertrand support a candidate little green: the candidacy of Qatar. This support, which we learn that he reported to Zinedine Zidane almost 11 million euros, is more than surprising. Indeed, this small country of 1, 4 million people will have to build nine stages in the desert. Stadiums with natural grass, it will therefore have to water regularly but cool. Yes, you read that in a country starved of water and subjected to a stifling summer heat (near 55 ° C), will host a Cup with air-conditioned stadiums. We rejoice that the energy of the air come from many solar panels that will cover the stages. Whew, the green seems except honor.
Except, except that it would forget too quickly that the gas needed to operate these systems are highly damaging to the environment. It's also forget the colossal carbon footprint of the stadium construction in the desert, the cost of equipment and materials not found on site or nearby will have to carry it to build the stadiums and also hotels needed to host their supporters who, sleeping in air-conditioned hotels whose energy comes ... heating plants little green.
"It starts to do well! "We knew with Nicolas Sarkozy as the environment would no longer have a limited role in national politics since his famous phrase:" environment, it starts to do well . We now know that the most ardent environmentalists are not only in appearance, or at least a few. When the environment is losing ground in the minds of each other, following major funding enjoyed by climate skeptics, the support of Yann Arthus-Bertrand's candidacy is inappropriate to Qatari and offers a tremendous Opponents point to a change in practices which, if it is not practical, is essential for all. So, ecology 4x4, the new trend in Europe-Ecology?
C rd Thursday evening, December 2, 2010, after their regional convention, the Young Democrats of North received by their counterparts in the Pas de Calais Arras jointly decided to unite their destinies and to form a single federation youth.
Why a Regional Union? The idea of creating a regional federation is not new, since our friends Brittany have already taken the plunge through a hybrid status. The objectives of this gathering presiding young northerners are many and varied. One can identify numerous, but we note that this initiative takes place in a general sense of institutional evolution. More than two centuries after their creation, the French departments no longer appear as the appropriate level to perform effectively the skills that have a size of more and more regional. Long before the government is considering reforming the " millefeuilles Territorial", Europe has given a greater role to entities with a certain level, embodied in France by regions. It is therefore a logical development.
The merger also fits in a particular geographic logic. The Nord-Pas de Calais is an important junction in the heart Europe's economy. Several initiatives such as the Euroregion, the Euro-metropolis around the Lille region shows that synergies exist. There is also a reality even more local with the development of relations between regional hubs and North-South dynamics centered around the city of Lille, rather than dynamic East-West are still struggling to translate.
What future? The logical result of this merger will be the election of a new regional team. The election of Young Democrats northerners in the national office of the Young Democrats and their access to positions addictive reward important work but can also lead to the emergence of new personalities snapping a virtuous circle.
Unity is the sauce. bet that the one and the other will look beyond their individual interests to create a strong local dynamics. So thank Gregory Catry for organizing this convention and Anthony Jouvenel, brand new National Secretary of Young Democrats and Jerome Pouwels, equally recent Deputy National Treasurer of the same structure for their commitment.