French Presidential Election 2017, Run-Off

[Devout Centrist]

I mean, do I vote for the embodiment of my beliefs or for the embodiment of everything I hate?

Tough call man, tough call...

[Devout Centrist]

This is a useful thread for identifying the vile morons who sagely declare that fascism is preferable to a guy who worked for a bank or whatever.

Let's not pretend like the future of France under FBM is going to be some shining beacon for Europe or something. It's going to be a disaster, and you can count on Panzergirl to be there to reap the benefits in 2022. There is no surest way to encourage the rise of fascism than keeping on with nice technocratic centrist policies.

Seems like the surest way to encourage the rise of fascism would be to elect a fascist as President of France actually

Well, a President Le Pen elected in 2017 would have no way to a parliamentary majority, which would limit her ability to do damage and consolidate power. A President Le Pen elected in 2022 or 2027 might very well get it - which means it's over for good.

Of course this doesn't justify voting Le Pen - I certainly won't - but it's something to consider.

*Le Pen wins*
"Trust me, it won't be that bad! She won't get a majority in the National Assembly!"

*FN makes major gains; LR's right faction coalesces around Le Pen*
"Trust me, it won't be that bad, it's a fragile coalition!"

*Le Pen sets date for EU Referendum*
"Trust me, France would never vote to leave the EU."

*Frances votes to exit the EU*
"Oh, well, the EU was pro-austerity anyway..."

*Deportations begin in force; more riots and closed borders*
"More jobs for the working class?"