Sarkozy shakes up French holiday

BBC News ^ | 07/14/2007

[Republicain]

rance is celebrating its national day under new President Nicolas Sarkozy with a shake-up of tradition. For the first time, soldiers from France's 26 EU partners have taken part in the Bastille Day military parade.

The move, meant to underline France's commitment to Europe, was announced shortly after Mr Sarkozy took office.

Mr Sarkozy, who took over from Jacques Chirac in May, has also broken with the customary television address and amnesty of minor offenders.

Flag-bearers from all the European Union's member states marched down the Champs Elysees in Paris, with the EU and French flags at the front.

Mr Sarkozy told official guests the intention was "to say that France was back in Europe and that Europe had to look at France through different eyes".

Mr Sarkozy led the parade, standing in the back of a slow-moving military vehicle.

In another break with protocol, he brought the horse guards behind him to an abrupt halt by stopping to shake hands with the crowd.

Bastille Day commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789, which launched the French Revolution.

[Jakarta ex-pat]

He's a EuroPeon.

Yuck.

Most conservatives these days would have been liberals at the very least 50 years ago.

[SampleMan]

For the first time, soldiers from France's 26 EU partners have taken part in the Bastille Day military parade.

I do believe that the Germans have marched down that avenue before.

[CondorFlight]

What do France’s partners have to do with the celebration of the storming of the Bastille?

If France wants to retain its belief in itself, and its belief that it has something unique and worthwhile to contribute to the world (i.e., its revolutionary ideals), it does NOT wish to dilute this holiday into a general “feel-good” day, or “we love our allies”.

[SampleMan]

You’re assuming that the French would be considering themselves one of the many countries of the EU. That is not the French view.

The French have replaced their faded glory of being a super power in centuries past, with the modern delusion that they are now the LEADER of all Europe.

To the French, those EU troops are honorary guards from throughout their empire.

[3AngelaD]

That is exactly what I thought of. Is Paris Burning. Hopefully they weren’t carrying the same flags as they did the last time! The parade must have given the old folks in France a real jolt.

[PAR35]

The French revolution is really nothing to honor. It was a bloody mess, and the end result was Napoleon.

[NCjim]

I do believe that the Germans have marched down that avenue before.

In the shade, if I recall correctly... *g

[mamelukesabre]

France is hopeless. They need help bad.

[Camel Joe]

This is a move in the right direction, Europe must show a unified front to the Russians. If he makes a serious investment in the French military he could turn out to be the french Ronald Reagan. Please don’t chastise the comparison because we need just such a man in France at this moment in time. We must now reach out to the Baltic States, Germany and Hungary to shore up our lines against the madman in Moscow. Of course by reaching out to Germany and Hungary I mean we remind them on which side of their bread the butter is spread and on which side you will find the rot and mold of the socialist oppressor.

[surely_you_jest]

To the French, those EU troops are honorary guards from throughout their empire.

All things about the EU considered, this perception is at least partially correct.

[Bender2]

Re: I do believe that the Germans have marched down that avenue before.

Well, if Hillary is elected, we'll see her invite Osama bin Laden to lead his troops in her inauguration parade.

[blackie]

Not a pleasant thought.

[Cincinna]

SARKO KICKS OFF NEW WAY TO CELEBRATE LE 14 JUILLET

July 14th has taken on a new meaning under the new President. No longer the celebration of the bloody murder of the monarchy and the Reign of Terror that followed, killing tens of thousands of innocents of all ages, from children to the elderly.

It is now a day of National Pride, a sharing of a national heritage and identity, as well as a show of military might.

from our friends at Gallia Watch:

....According to Le Figaro:

detachments from France's 26 European partners opened the military parade. At the head was the starry flag of the European Union borne by a Portuguese officer, his country being the current president of the EU. Behind him, forming a large V were the 27 European flag-bearers, followed by ranks of soldiers, more than 800 in all. (snip)

At the rehearsal on Wednesday, Minister of Defense Hervé Morin declared that it was a "major symbolic act", desired by France, to relaunch the construction of Europe and of Defense. In addition, the French president, whose "pro-Atlantic" position has been denounced by some, displayed his European determination. Another important sign: Quai d'Orsay announced yesterday that the EU flag would henceforth fly permanently on its roof next to the French tricolor. Other ministries could follow the example. Note: Quai d'Orsay is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The article goes on to describe the rest of the parade that featured the new Rafale jets and the Caracal helicopter used by NATO forces in Afghanistan.

This July 14 unfolds in a climate of uncertainty for the armed forces. (...) Defense Minister Hervé Morin is to present his current figures next week to the Prime Minister. He has already indicated that (...) he may be 6 billion euros short if all the projects that are on the books are to be carried out. (...)

Another article from Yahoo reminds us that President Sarkozy also kept his word about the garden-party that takes place at Elysée Palace:

This year, priority was given to deserving French people who had "at some moment in their lives suffered an ordeal" or who stood out because of their efforts, their work or their courage. Two thousand persons were invited. (snip)

In another unprecedented act, the head of State, who had promised "surprises" got out of his car at the Rond-Point of the Champs-Elysées to greet the onlookers gathered behind the security barricades and to kiss the children.

"The weather is beautiful, the armed forces are magnificent, and our European partners are there," he said to a journalist.

The Emir of Qatar, whose son marched in the parade as a student at the military academy of Saint-Cyr, was also present. Nicolas Sarkozy's wife and children were also in attendance.

[Clemenza]

I just came back from a Bastille Day party in the city (NYC). A wonderful time was had by all, though not as cool as the fireworks and festivals I experienced while in Paris on July 14, 1991.

[RobbyS]

The French Army has been neglected since DeGaulle’s time.

[Judith Anne]

Thanks for the ping. This could signal a turnaround, where those who serve France and her interests become respected once again, where honor begins to be restored. What could be better for the French Armed Services?

[Fred Nerks]

Pride, Honour and Respect; Britain's loss, France's gain.

[Fred Nerks]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/07/15/wfrance115.xml

Nicolas Sarkozy completes rout of the Left
By Kim Willsher in Paris, Sunday Telegraph
Last Updated: 1:17am BST 15/07/2007

[Cincinna]

As your article shows, Sarko has succeeded in wooing away the three most popular Socialist Party luminaries : Bernard Kouchner, Jack Lang, and Dominique Strauss-Kahn.

The PS is left with all the old Elephants, and the Royal/Hollande couple.

Bravo Sarko!