FRANCE'S PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION - FOR BETTER OR WORSE OR BOTH? THE END!

They are not issues which are susceptible to 'quick fix' or rash and precipitous solutions.

 They will need careful planning, persistent  application, and a prolonged period of time. They are not going to be all adequately addressed within a single Presidential term.

They will require leaders who are courageous enough to take a fresh approach towards resolving contentious problems in France, in Europe and around the globe. 

The French, in my view, would be better served by a President who is bold and courageous enough to establish a rapprochement with the Russian Federation and with President Assad of Syria. 

President Hollande has established his term of Office by joining with other Nato countries to stoke the flames of war in Syria, Yemen, Libya and sub-Saharan Africa. 

France now needs a leader who is capable and willing to act to help put out these flames.  

And work with other leaders and countries to establish peace and build prosperous France. 

At the same time, enabling France to play a more constructive role in Europe and the world. 

Peace in the Syria, Yemen, and Libya, will help to stem the drain of human labour, skills, expertise and money from these countries to Europe. 

Thereby relieving the pressure of migrants and refugees on Europe, and encouraging the displaced people to remain in and return to their countries of origin and help to build and develop them.

So, will it be Macron, Marine Le Pen, Fillon, or Melenchon? Each of them have their respective strengths and weaknesses.

Let the people decide, but, whichever candidate they choose, let them also aware that politicians rarely have the courage to fall on their swords. 

When they, by force of circumstances, have to make a choice between not doing, or doing something they promised they would or would not do, and resign. 

Expect the next President of France to move to the right of the political spectrum. 

Therefore, a leftist or centrist candidate might offer the French people the prospects or hope of a more compassionate and liberal society.

People of France, please do not allow apathy and disillusionment to dissuade you from casting your vote. 

Individually your vote might be like a spec of snow, but, collectively, your votes can be come like a mighty snow drift, capable of causing an avalanche.

Nation building is like building a house which is never quite completed. With the new 'occupiers' or 'tenants' moving in and making changes which the previous 'occupiers' and 'tenants' might not or would not have made. And which subsequent ones will most probably change again. 

It is a 'house' which is not going to suit everybody, but the only one available to the people who have inherited it. 

It is the responsibility of the current 'occupiers' or 'trustees' to take care of it. 

So that it meets their needs, as well as being able to meet the needs of the future 'occupiers.' 

Considering the advance stage of development pertaining in France, it does not need to any 'revolutionary changes.' 

Neither does it need 'radical changes', especially with the term 'radical' now being associated with religious extremism. 

The French electorate should therefore be guarded against 'the political Jeremiahs', be they of the 'far right' or the 'far left.' 

We have seen where 'radicalisation' has taken the British people, with Brexit. 

France does not need to shut its borders to immigrants, or Fraxit from the European Union. 

Neither does it need to or continue with it war of attrition against Russia and the Syrian government. 

Or disproportionately weigh the security of the State versus the rights and freedoms of the citizens, in favour of the State. 

It needs to pursue a policy of prudent engagement and accommodation. 

A policy of moderation.  Of neither being negligently  omitting to take the necessary precautions to protect the physical and 'democratic' safety of the citizen.  

Or over-reacting and eroding the rights and freedoms of the citizen, in her prosecution of the 'war against terror.'