French political scandals hit left and right

[EC]

Via Reuters: http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/02/us-france-sleaze-idUSBRE9610FJ20130702

(Reuters) - A budget minister stashing cash in Switzerland, accusations that politicians tapped a senile heiress for campaign funds and allegations that a 403 million euro payout to an ex-convict businessman was rigged; French politics seems awash in sleaze.

President Francois Hollande may pay dearly for the spectacle of public figures grilled over scandals that highlight wealth swilling about the corridors of power while France at large suffers tax hikes and unemployment. But his potential rival at future presidential polls, Nicolas Sarkozy, fares little better

A survey by pollster BVA found 7 in 10 respondents view most politicians as corrupt. Yet among the lower-paid workers Socialist Hollande wants to keep behind him, honesty is the top quality they want in their leaders - even ahead of competence.

"Sleaze is not new, but people's tolerance is lower than it used to be. When the cake is smaller, you get angrier when you see it divided into unequal parts or if someone takes a piece illegally," said political analyst Yves Sintomer.

"Surveys show a growing distrust towards politicians."

More at link.

[mountaineer]

 Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose.

[flowers]

Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose.

LOL!

Vous êtes vraiment bon à ce sujet!

Viva La France!!!!  /s

[mountaineer]

We were at CDG a few years ago, ready to board our flight to come home, when we witnessed airport or airline personnel protesting something or other about the then-president (in typical French fashion). They were annoying all of us paying customers who were in a huge line and had no patience left, so I shouted, "Vive Sarkozy!" 

[Rapunzel]

This reminds me.  O'Reilly had a segment on NYC cab drivers last night... They said the worst tippers are always the French.