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Some truths become evident after the results of the first round of the 2011 cantonal elections at the national, Azurian, and local levels. First, a general and moral consideration: In politics, as in life, it must not be forgotten that common sense is always the best path, and when it is abandoned, the consequences are paid. Emmanuel Kant vigorously criticized the “renunciation of thought” that opens the way to the “arrogance of political leaders” and the “triumph of the charlatan.”
The first: the abstainers are undeniably the leading party in terms of vote count. After the results of the 2010 European elections (60% abstention), the confirmation in this electoral round raises and answers these two questions:
a) Is there a democracy deficit? Yes, it’s possible
b) Is there a representational deficit? Yes, it’s probable
The second: In democracy, the electorate is always right, it is the rule of its legitimacy. Therefore, no raising arms to the sky and other expressions of despair for the undeniable success of the National Front, a party that has every right to be voted for by the voters who identify with its values, program, and candidates.
A third: In politics, as in life, it must not be forgotten that common sense is always the best outcome and when it is abandoned, it is regularly at one’s expense.
The defeat/debacle of the UMP has fairly evident origins. It chose to pursue a policy aligning with that of the FN, as if, instead of being a party in power (President of the Republic and Government), it was a party of “radical” opposition (consider the themes of security, immigration, and national identity, waving the red flag of fear instead of engaging in education). The voters, who overwhelmingly are not political scientists, preferred to vote for a “real” opposition party rather than a mere counterfeit product.
