The European elections in France followed the rightward trend elsewhere in Europe. The lowest ever turnout allowed the UMP to buck the normal trend of governing parties and get the most votes and seats, though 28% is hardly a thumping majority. The Socialists emulated their cousins across the Channel, failing dismally with only 17% and were almost beaten into third place by the suprise package Green alliance.
On another European battle front, France has claimed victory in the rosé wine saga. Outrage was caused here by the EU's initial plan to allow wine that is merely a blend of red and white to be called rosé, but French viticulturists have now seen justice done with the reversal of the decision. "The death of a product with great history and quality has been averted thanks to the intervention of France and Italy, two countries with a common passion for wine and its intrinsic culture."
Quite so.
In an area of modern culture with rather less tradition, the government has recently received another bloody nose. The law criminalising illegal downloading on the internet, passed recently at the second attempt after an amusing ambush by the parliamentary opposition, has been declared unconstitutional by the Conseil constitutionnel, which has the last word on law making in France. The power of a judge to withdraw internet access for those caught making illegal downloads three times is the main point at issue. Contrary to basic human rights, apparently. The saga continues...
