Hollande, Sarkozy heading to French presidential election runoff, as far right surprises

French President and UMP candidate Nicolas Sarkozy, left, finished behind France's Socialist Party candidate Francois Hollande in the first round of the presidential vote on Sunday, April 22, 2012. The two will face off in a May 6 runoff. (PHILIPPE WOJAZER/AFP/GETTY IMAGES)

23 April 2012
Angela Charlton
The Associated Press

PARIS—François Hollande, a mild-mannered French Socialist who wants to take better care of the jobless and the poor, is heading to a presidential runoff election against tough-on-immigration Nicolas Sarkozy in a vote that could alter Europe’s political and economic landscape.

Hollande heads into the May 6 second round with the upper hand after narrowly edging the conservative Sarkozy in the first round of France’s voting Sunday, according to near-complete official results.

In the campaign’s biggest surprise, nearly one in five voters chose far-right candidate Marine Le Pen instead, handing her a solid third place and a chance to weigh in on French politics with her anti-immigration platform that targets France’s millions of Muslims.

With 93 per cent of the vote counted, Hollande had 28.4 per cent of the ballots cast and Sarkozy 27 per cent, according to figures released by the Interior Ministry.

French election: Sarkozy swaggers in face of imminent defeat

Carla Bruni-Sarkozy takes her place in the front row as her husband bounds on the stage for his rally in Nice Photo: Reuters

François Hollande

It was Nicolas Sarkozy at his most self-confident and swaggering. As the French prepared to cast their votes for a new leader in Sunday's first round of the presidential election, the unpopular president was refusing to let his position as the underdog dent his self-belief.

21 Apr 2012

By Kim Willsher, in Paris and Ian Sparks in Nice

The Telegraph (UK)
 

Trailing badly in the opinion polls, every one of which has predicted he will get through the first round but lose in the second, Mr Sarkozy gave no quarter to his chief opponent, Francois Hollande.

Beating his fist in time to his words, he asked: "Why have Europe's other socialist leaders lost power? Because they left the restaurant without paying the bill. Now we're paying it for them and we don't want them back.

"Hollande will lose!"

Sarkozy supporters at his final pre-election rally cheered. But beneath the surface of the buoyant crowd in Nice was a fear that, for all his brash rhetoric, Mr Sarkozy is facing defeat.

Khmer Intelliugence News - 28 July 2009

KHMER INTELLIGENCE NEWS
28 July 2009

Foreign Trade Bank falls victim of economic crisis and property glut (2)

Cambodia’s Foreign Trade Bank (FTB), which is 50 percent owned by the state, is in serious trouble because of the worsening economic crisis and the resulting property glut. A heavy portfolio of bad loans in the property sector may require an overhaul of the bank in the next few months. Canadia Bank, which is Cambodia’s largest bank followed by FTB, is in the same alarming situation. The two financial institutions have been able so far to avoid bankruptcy thanks to a massive fund injection from the National Bank of Cambodia. The other FTB shareholders include Canadia Bank (originally 30 percent) and businessman Ung Bun Heuv (originally 20 percent). Canadia Bank itself is now actually controlled by Prime Minister Hun Sen’s family (originally 35 percent) even though its president and (still?) major shareholder is a shady businessman from Canada, Mr. Pung Kheav Se (originally 65 percent). The fall of Cambodia’s two leading and intertwined commercial banks would lead to the collapse of the whole banking system.

Market operators expect a continuous fall in the Cambodian currency (2)

The Riel has been falling against the US Dollar and major regional currencies over the last few weeks. This represents an acceleration of a trend that has been noticeable over the last 18 months. In January 2008, the US Dollar was worth 4000 Riels. The exchange rate went up to 4125 Riels for $1 by January 2009. Today, one needs 4250 Riels to buy $1. The Riel has therefore dropped by 6.25% since January 2008, whereas the Thai Baht has remained stable against the Dollar during the same period of time (around 34 Bath for $1). Market operators expect the Riel to fall more sharply in August and September, with the exchange rate possibly reaching 4500 Riels for $1. The reasons for this evolution are related to the worsening economic crisis, the severe drop in State revenue and the growing budget deficit. To cover the deficit the National Bank of Cambodia is increasingly printing bank notes (paper money), thus fueling inflation, which may get out of control by the end of the year.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy invited to visit Cambodia in September (2)

While on his official visit to France on July 13 and 14, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen invited French President Nicolas Sarkozy to visit Cambodia in September. A big event then will be the inauguration of the Sihanoukville airport which has just been modernized and expanded and will be managed, like the Phnom Penh and Siemreap-Angkor airports, by a local subsidiary (Société Concessionnaire des Aéroports or SCA) of the French construction group Vinci. The French authorities have yet to positively respond to Hun Sen’s invitation because they are taking into consideration the deterioration in the social and political climate in Cambodia with the increasing number of land evictions and human rights violations and the recent spate of defamation lawsuits against government critics here. President Sarkozy had also received a letter from opposition leader Sam Rainsy prior to Hun Sen’s visit pointing to the way France could really help Cambodia. Read Sam Rainsy’s letter at http://tinyurl.com/lh39sn

CPP parliamentarian involved in criminal acts (1)

A CPP National Assembly member, Long Sakhorn is well known for her involvement in public scandals and a long series of criminal acts, which may lead her to jail since the ruling party is more and more embarrassed by her openly conducting reprehensible activities and her stubbornness. A widow of Sin Song, a former coup leader in 1994, she is continuously involved in land grabbing, environment destruction (deforestation and river filling), deception and forgery of documents and thumbprints. She is expert in cheating people and misleading the courts where she is known for her securing the support of judges through bribery. Concrete examples with photos of Long Sakhorn’s criminal offenses are presented at http://tinyurl.com/llokd2

[End]

Parlez-vous HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS, TRAVESTY OF JUSTICE, FREEDOM OF PRESS ...?

Hun Sen and Bernard Kouchner in Paris (Photo: F. de La Mure, Ministère des Affaires étrangères)

14 July: Sarko met Sen

Wednesday 15 July 2009
By Maxime Revol
Cambodge Soir Hebdo
Translated from French by Tola Ek
Click here to read the article in French

Hun Sen and Nicolas Sarkozy, the French president, discussed with each other on 14 July at 3PM, after the French military parade.

The topic of the discussions dealt with “bilateral relationships between France and Cambodia, as well as the situation in Asia,” Nicolas Sarkozy’s website indicated.

Sarkozy stressed “France’s will to deepen further the links woven by history between the two countries, and to maintain its constant engagement with Cambodia.”

At the same time, in Phnom Penh, the French embassy opened its door to French residents and tourists, as well as local guests for a garden party which gathered a crowd of more than 1,400 people.

Mr. Hun Sen in Paris

Click on the article in Khmer to zoom in

Unofficial translation from French by Tola Ek

Mr. Hun Sen in Paris

Mr. Hun Sen does not receive good press coverage in France. For several years now, major newspapers in Paris never ceased to harshly criticize the corruption gangrene, the violations of human rights, the relentless dictatorial violence and other “dirty jobs” of his regime. According to our French friends, his current visit to Paris was organized under his “insistent request” made during several months and following “serious preliminary discussions” between his representatives (including the one conducted by his minister Hor Nam Hong during last May) with the French authority.

We were assured also that the French government is fully aware of the facts and events which are taking place in Cambodia. Furthermore, in announcing the visit of Mr. Hun Sen, the [French] ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a communiqué recalling that France “co-presided the Paris Accords (on Cambodia) in 1991 which initiated the reconstruction process of this country.” It is hoped that during upcoming meetings between Mr. Hun Sen and his ministers with their French counterparts, the issues of human rights and the rule of law in Cambodia would be raised with a positive contribution from France because of the more than century-long links between France and the true Khmer Country and People who have suffered and endured so much during the past decades.

However, there is another aspect of the Cambodian prime minister’s visit to France that should be underscored: Mr. Hun Sen succeeded in securing an invitation to attend the 14 July parade commemorating the well known French Revolution in 1989 on the honorary podium. Therefore, it is clear that the Khmer kingdom’s “Strongman” is coming to Paris to try to dust off his tarnished image, and he is hoping that his presence among prestigious head of states would confer on him a “mark” of recognition of his power, at least from the outside, at a time when the economic crisis and internal, as well as border troubles seriously shake his regime.

In fact, Mr. Hun Sen is coming also to talk about “major regional issues” at a time when the regional context is rather dangerous: the impasse under which the Preah Vihear temple conflict was reignited by Thailand, the currently known increased tensions between Vietnam (which Mr. Hun Sen’s regime is largely a client of) and China, and the influence of these two countries on Cambodia currently.

Regarding the Thai military occupation of Preah Vihear, let’s recall that, on 22 July 2008, Mr. Maurice Ripert, France ambassador to the UN, following Cambodia’s complaint, called for an “immediate meeting” of the UN Security Council to find a peaceful solution – a legal solution abiding to the current international norms and conventions. His action was based on the procedure stipulated by the 1991 Paris Accords on Cambodia to resolve such problem. However, Mr. Hun Sen, hoping to obtain some cool off in order to spare his interests in the region, instead opted for “bilateral negotiations” demanded by Bangkok which resulted in spectacular bloody failures and Thailand’s categorical refusal to withdraw its troops from the temple area. On the other hand, all signs also point to the fact that Vietnam is readying itself to toughen its position against China, a situation that could cause a general conflict which would be very difficult to contain. Because he is linked to the engagement of “defense cooperation” with Hanoi, more so than ever, Mr. Hun Sen must obtain particular considerations and recognitions through either material support or, at least, political support from the West, and from France, in particular.

What will happen, if following this short visit in Paris, Cambodia’s “Strongman” would be able to “polish” his image on his return to Phnom Penh? The answer is that, Cambodia – which is already drowned under a culture of impunity, under a corrupt regime, under denial of rights, under violence, under generalized top-to-bottom irresponsibility, under the plundering of the national heritage to the benefit of neighboring hereditary enemies –could face a more painful fate that the one it has known for the past more than 30 years.

Paris, 11 July 2009
For Cambodia’s Border Committee in France and Worldwide,

(Signed) Dy Kareth
Vice President
----------

CFC/CBC 110709F

M. HUN SEN à Paris

M. Hun Sen n’a pas bonne presse en France. Les grands journaux parisiens ne cessent depuis des années de dénoncer durement la gangrène de la corruption, les violations des droits de l’homme, les allures suivies de violences dictatoriales et autres « basses oeuvres » de son régime. Sa visite à Paris d’aujourd’hui, selon nos amis français, a été organisée à sa « demande insistante » formulée depuis de nombreux mois, et après de « sérieuses discussions préliminaires » entre ses représentants (dont son ministre Hor Nam Hong, en mai dernier) avec les autorités françaises.

L’on nous a rassuré aussi que le Gouvernement français est bien au courant des faits et événements qui se déroulent au Cambodge. D’ailleurs, en annonçant la venue de M. Hun Sen, un communiqué du ministère des Affaires étrangères français a rappelé aussi que la France « a co-présidé, en 1991, les Accords de Paris (sur le Cambodge) qui initièrent le processus de reconstruction de ce pays ». Il est à espérer qu’au cours d’éventuelles entrevues de M. Hun Sen et ses ministres avec leurs homologues français, les questions des droits de l’homme et de l’Etat de droit au Cambodge, puissent être abordées dans l’esprit et avec l’apport d’une contribution positive de la France, en raison des liens plus que centenaires de cette dernière avec le vrai Pays et le vrai Peuple khmers qui n’ont que trop souffert et enduré durant ces dernières décades.

Mais, il y a un autre aspect de la visite du Premier Ministre cambodgien en France qui mérite d’être souligné : M. Hun Sen a réussi à se faire invité à la tribune d’honneur du défilé du 14 juillet commémorant la retentissante Révolution française de 1789. Ainsi, il est clair que l’« homme fort » du royaume khmer est venu à Paris pour essayer de bien redorer son terne blason, d’espérer par sa présence aux côtés des chefs d’Etat prestigieux obtenir, de l’extérieur, une « marque » de reconnaissance de son pouvoir, à l’heure où la crise économique et les troubles intérieurs et aux frontières agitent sérieusement son régime.

En effet, M. Hun Sen est venu parler « des principaux enjeux régionaux » également, au moment où le contexte régional est plutôt dangereux : l’impasse dans lequel se trouve le conflit du temple Preah Vihear rallumé par la Thailande, et les tensions de plus en plus vives entre le Vietnam (dont le régime Hun Sen est largement tributaire) et la Chine dans des conditions que l’on sait, et l’emprise de ces deux Etats sur le Cambodge actuel.

Sur l’occupation militaire thaïe de Preah Vihear, rappelons que l’ambassadeur de France à l’ONU, M. Maurice Ripert, le 22 juillet 2008, s’est prononcé, sur la plainte du Cambodge, pour une «réunion immédiate» du Conseil de sécurité de l’ONU pour trouver une solution pacifique, une solution de droit au regard des normes et conventions internationales en vigueur. C’était faire référence à la procédure prévue par les Accords de Paris de 1991 sur le Cambodge pour pareil problème. Mais, M. Hun Sen, pensant obtenir un certain apaisement de nature à ménager ses intérêts dans la zone, a cru devoir opter pour des « négociations bilatérales » exigées par Bangkok, avec des échecs sanglants que l’on sait et le refus catégorique des Thaïs de retirer leurs troupes des environs du temple. D’un autre côté, tout indique que le Vietnam se prépare activement à durcir sa position vis-à-vis de la Chine, ce qui risquerait de causer un conflit généralisé très difficilement maîtrisable. Et, lié par l’engagement de « coopération de défense » avec Hanoi, M. Hun Sen se doit, plus qu’à tout autre moment, de bénéficier des considérations et reconnaissances particulières, par le soutien matériel et autre, du moins politique de l’Occident, dont, en particulier, celui de la France.

Qu’adviendra-t-il, après cette courte visite à Paris, si jamais le blason de « l’homme fort » soit « redoré » à son retour à Phnom-Penh ? Le Cambodge, baigné interminablement dans la culture de l’impunité, le règne de la corruption, du déni de droit, et de la violence, la généralisation de l’irresponsabilité du sommet à la base, la spoliation du patrimoine national au profit des voisins-ennemis héréditaires, pourrait connaître un nouveau sort plus douloureux encore que celui qu’il a connu depuis trente ans.

Paris, le 11 juillet 2009
P. Le Comité des Frontières du Cambodge
en France et dans le monde.

Dy Kareth
Vice-Président

Hun Sen Leaves for Official French Visit

By Kong Sothanarith, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
10 July 2009

Prime Minister Hun Sen left for France on Thursday, to participate in a five-day official visit at the invitation of French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

This is the first visit of the prime minister to France under his third mandate, following elections in July 2008, and is meant “to strengthen bilateral cooperation,” according to Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Koy Kuong.

Hun Sen will also meet his French counterpart, Francois Fillon, and Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner, Koy Kuong said.

Hun Sen said in public remarks ahead of his departure he would meet with Sarkozy on July 13 and participate in France’s National Day, or Bastille Day, July 14.

He will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Hor Namhong.

France is one of the most important donors to Cambodia, contributing around $25 million annually in aid.

Laurant Le Marchand, first secretary of French Embassy, said France assists especially in judicial reform, the rule of law, gendarmerie training and continued support for the Khmer Rouge tribunal.

Sen to visit Sarko on the Seine

Hun Sen to leave to France

Thursday, July 10, 2009
Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Socheata

Hun Sen will lead a high level government delegation to perform an official visit to France this afternoon to strengthen and improve the bilateral cooperation between the two countries. According to statement issued by the ministry of Foreign Affairs on 09 July, Hun Sen will visit France between 10 and 14 July, based on an invitation of French president Nicolas Sarkozy. During his visit, Hun Sen will meet Nicolas Sarkozy, François Fillon, France prime minister, and Bernard Kushner, the minister of Foreign Affairs. On 14 July, Hun Sen will participate in the French army parade as a guess of Nicolas Sarkozy.

Former KR Hun Sen invited to join the anniversary of French proletarian revolution: Bravo Sarko?!?!

Cambodian PM to visit France in July

PHNOM PENH, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen announced on Tuesday that he will visit France on July 13 to strengthen the bilateral cooperation.

"We will be absent from the country for a short period of time because I will visit France and I also will meet with French President late afternoon on July 13 if the schedule is not changed," he told a University graduation ceremony in Phnom Penh.

"I will be invited to join a ceremony of French Army March on July 14," he said, adding that he will attend his son's graduation ceremony in an army school in France.

France played a key role for Paris Peace Accord for Cambodia in1991. France also provides funds to Cambodia in several projects, including rule of law, good governance, and agricultural and health improvement.

France colonized Cambodia from 1863 to 1953.

Politiktoons No. 85: French-Mickey Mouse

Cartoon by Sacrava (on the web at http://sacrava.blogspot.com)

Cambodia’s dictator invited to visit the birthplace country of “human rights”

Monday 01 June 2009
By A.C. and K.K.
Cambodge Soir Hebdo
Translated from French by Luc Sâr
Click here to read the article in French

An official invitation was sent to Hun Sen for a visit to France. The trip could take place in July.

Last week, Hun Sen was officially invited to visit France. “He received an official letter on 28 May,” Koy Kuong, spokesman for the ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed.

Hun Sen had already indicated that he accepts the invitation. The trip is planned for July. For the time being, the exact date has not been fixed yet, but it could take place in mid-July. In 2008, the French president invited about 50 foreign head of states to view the 14 July (French Bastille day) parade.

Hun Sen’s last visit to France took place in 2005. During his talk with Jacques Chirac, then-president of France, on 19 September 2005, Hun Sen discussed about a document regarding the 2006-2010 cooperation [with France], about irrigation, and the KR tribunal.

Election: Paris replies to Sam Rainsy

24 Oct 2008
By A.L.G.
Cambodge Soir Hebdo
Translated from French by Sess Sâr
Click here to read the article in French

Jean-David Levitte, the diplomatic advisor of (French President) Nicolas Sarkozy, considers that the latest ballot “progresses better than the previous ones,” however he noted that it did not meet “international standards.” The SRP said that it was satisfied with France’s response.

In a letter written by Jean –David Levitte and sent to Sam Rainsy, France considered that the latest election in Cambodia “progressed better than the previous ones, however, it still does not meet international standards on this matter.”

Last 28 August, Sam Rainsy wrote to Nicolas Sarkozy and Susilo Bambang Yodhyono, the Indonesian President, who are both heads of state of countries that are co-presidents of the 1991 Paris Peace Accords.

“All that remains of the democracy set up at great cost in Cambodia by the International community is a cracked façade,” Sam Rainsy wrote with Kem Sokha who also signed the letter.

“This response is very positive,” SRP MP Mu Sochua reacted when she was asked by “Cambodge Soir Hebdo” on Friday 24 october. “This shows that the French government assumes its role in Cambodia. What Jean-David Levitte said about the international standards not being respected, that was what Comfrel said also.”

“In his letter, Jean-David Levitte promised that the (French) government will follow closely the Cambodian election process in the future. This is a very positive response,” Mu Sochua added.

She also said that the SRP maintains “good relations” with the French embassy in Phnom Penh.

Hun Sen sent congratulation letter to France elected-President Sarkozy

Cambodia sends letter of congratulation to Sarkozy

PHNOM PENH, May 8 (Xinhua) -- The Cambodian government has sentan official letter to Nicolas Sarkozy to congratulate his election as new French president, Prime Minister Hun Sen said here on Tuesday.

"Cambodia and France have always had good relationship and we must continue this cooperation even no matter which party leads France. Our relationship and cooperation doesn't change," he told reporters at the National Institute of Education.

The victory of Sarkozy in the French presidential election shows the will of the French people to support him, he added.

Sarkozy of the right-wing Union for a Popular Movement won the French presidential run-off on Sunday, scoring a victory over Segolene Royal of the left-wing Socialist Party.

In case you care to know ... Sarkozy is elected as French President

Sarkozy looks set for victory (Reuters)

Sun May 6, 2007
Sarkozy elected French president

By Crispian Balmer

PARIS (Reuters) - Conservative Nicolas Sarkozy won France's presidential election on Sunday, beating his Socialist rival Segolene Royal by a comfortable margin and extending the right's 12-year grip on power.

Within minutes of polls closing, Royal conceded defeat in a speech to party faithful in the heart of Paris.

"Universal suffrage has spoken. I wish the next president of the Republic the best in accomplishing his mission in the service of all the French people," she said.

Forecasts by four pollsters showed Sarkozy, 52, a hardline former interior minister, won around 53 percent of the vote in the second-round ballot and will succeed fellow conservative Jacques Chirac, who was president for 12 years.

Turnout was some 85 percent, the highest since 1981.

Sarkozy's face flashed up on television screens after polling stations closed at 8 p.m. (1800 GMT), signalling his victory and setting off jubilant scenes among supporters gathered in central Paris.

A swarm of cameramen on motorbikes followed his car as he swept through the city at twilight to talk to his supporters.

Across the French capital at Socialist headquarters, there was gloom after the party crashed to its third consecutive presidential election defeat. Party heavyweights immediately called for reform to make itself more appealing to voters.

Although opinion polls regularly suggested voters preferred Royal, who was seeking to become France's first woman head of state, they saw the uncompromising Sarkozy as a more competent leader with a more convincing economic programme.

Sarkozy, the son of a Hungarian immigrant, presented himself as the "candidate of work", promising to loosen the 35-hour work week by offering tax breaks on overtime and to trim fat from the public service, cut taxes and wage war on unemployment.

TAKING OFFICE

He is expected to take office on May 16 or 17, and will be the first French president to be born after World War Two.

He will then name a new government and immediately launch into campaigning for June's parliamentary election, where he will seek a clear majority to implement his reform plans.

The president is elected for five years, is commander-in-chief of the armed forces, nominates the prime minister, has the right to dissolve the National Assembly and is responsible for foreign and defence policies.

Royal started the year as favourite, but a string of gaffes over foreign policy raised doubts over her competency. Deep ideological divisions in her own camp meant she could never enjoy unified support from the Socialists.

"We need to renew ourselves. It is the condition for regaining hope and I am available for that," said Dominique Strauss-Kahn, a Socialist former finance minister, presenting himself as a future leader for the battered party.

The Socialists portrayed Sarkozy as a danger for France, saying he was authoritarian and likely to exacerbate tensions in the poor, multi-racial suburbs that ring many French cities.

They also accused him of fuelling 2005 suburb riots by promising to rid neighbourhoods of what he said were the "scum" responsible for the troubles. Thousands of extra police have been drafted in to patrol sensitive suburbs on Sunday.

But by backing Sarkozy, voters showed they wanted a strong leader to resolve France's many problems, including high unemployment of at least 8.3 percent, falling living standards, job insecurity and declining industrial might.

He has promised a clean break with the policies of Chirac, once his political mentor, and says he will curb the powers of the unions and toughen sentencing for criminals.

On foreign policy, Sarkozy is more pro-American than Chirac, but has made clear he opposes the war in Iraq and will find it hard to ally himself too closely to Washington because of anti-U.S. sentiment at home.

He has said one of his first acts as president will be to visit Berlin and then Brussels to lay out plans for a mini treaty to replace the European Union constitution that French voters rejected in a 2005 referendum.

After months of gruelling campaigning, he has also indicated he will take a rest next week before returning to Paris to work on his new government. Former Labour Minister Francois Fillon is widely expected to become prime minister.