French Revolution: Part 2

The ouster of ‘Union pour un Mouvement Populaire’ at the hands of the ‘Socialist Party’ has caused quite a stir, not only in France but throughout Europe. This new development within France has many repercussions on various people and issues. However, without getting into the political, economic, social etc. implications of the electoral results, I am tempted to draw comparisons between the current situation in France and the situation way back in 1789.

“Why a blog post on this topic?” one might ask. And my simplistic answer is: being a History student, I have had many opportunities to study different aspects of the French society over the years. Additionally, having a parent who is as interested in the subject helped. There was a time (during my formal days of education) when every weekend my father and I would sit and recapitulate whatever I had learnt during the week. History, being a common subject of interest, was always given extra time. During this time, the events leading up to and the aftermath of the French Revolution were often discussed. So, when the French election results were out, the first thought that came to mind was, “Oh, this sounds so similar to what happened in France in 1789.”

The French Revolution between 1789 and 1799 saw the overthrow of the French Monarchy as a result of a radical and social upheaval throughout France. The Monarchy’s isolation and indifference towards hardships of the common man led to the fall of the Ancien Regime. The situation in France until May 6, 2012 was similar. Nikolas Sarkozy, or the ‘Bling Bling President’, as he was popularly known, was unceremoniously wiped off the menu by the Socialist candidate, François Hollande, to become the second Socialist President of modern France.

Before further discussion, it is important to list down the origins of the French Revolution, as is necessary to explore Sarkozy’s Presidency and what led to his rout.

Origins of the French Revolution:

• Struggle for hegemony and the Empire outstripped the fiscal resources of the state

• Conflict between the Monarchy and the nobility over the “reform” of the tax system resulted in paralysis and bankruptcy
• Owing to the period of Enlightenment, impulse for reform intensified political conflicts and reinforced traditional aristocratic constitutionalism. New notions of good government were introduced, popular sovereignty being the most radical. Public opinion was now of significance.
• Social antagonisms between the aristocracy and the bourgeoisie
• Ineffective monarchy at the hands of Louis XVI
• Economic hardship, especially the agrarian crisis of 1788-89 generated popular discontent and disorder, caused by food shortages.

Nikolas Sarkozy served as the French President from 2007 to 2012. Sarkozy was elected President at the height of the global economic meltdown of late 2000s, which gave rise to a subsequent financial crisis and debt deficit. Sarkozy served as the President of the European Union during the last few months of 2008 and as President of a member country of the G8 and G20, Sarkozy was involved in international debates and propositions to curb the global financial crisis. The crisis had severe economic and social consequences in France. This resulted in Sarkozy having to renounce the reduction of public deficit, and instead launch a stimulus plan (as part of the 2008 EU Stimulus Plan), in order to control growing social discontent. Sarkozy’s promise, during his Presidential campaign, to reach full employment and boost economic growth, remained but a mere promise. French involvement, especially Sarkozy’s interest, in the events of the ‘Arab Spring’ (late 2010) did not go down well with the French public. Sarkozy’s vibrant personal life, demanding constant media attention, didn’t make matters easy. Adding to his list of woes, when Sarkozy was defeated on May 6, 2012, he became the first French President since 1981 to not be re-elected. This is proof enough of public distrust towards his presidency.         

The last Queen of France, Mary Antoinette’s famous words, "Let them eat brioche", could just as well have been Sarkozy’s words during his term as President. It is visible Sarkozy led a very extravagant life, in spite of record unemployment throughout France. Resemblance with the monarchy’s attitude pre-1789 is uncanny. Sarkozy tried to spend France’s way out of trouble, however, this landed him in further trouble.

Although François Hollande is no Napoleon Bonaparte, all eyes are currently on him to transform the French society the way Napoleon did as a result of the French Revolution. It will be interesting to see how Hollande makes use of the opportunity to reiterate the famous motto, ‘Liberty, Equality, Fraternity’, which was highlighted during presidential campaign. Hollande too has promised to create new jobs, as many as 60,000 in schools and universities. It will be some time before a new revolution can be brought about by a non-revolutionary.   

During the events of the French Revolution, William Wordsworth penned down the following words,

“Bliss was it in that dawn to be alive, 

But to be young was very Heaven”. 

 -       The Prelude, Residence in France (Concluded), 1850  

If Hollande succeeds in fulfilling all his promises and manages to bring France out of its  economic as well as social misery, 

Wordsworth’s words can gain more significance.    

I cannot help but add the picture below... 

 Picture Courtesy: http://www.thesun.co.uk