Lifestyles in the south of France may feel Californian—but the region’s politics are more like that of equally sun-soaked, pensioner-heavy Florida
WITH its palm-fringed beaches, ribbon of coastal cities, inland vineyards and year-round sunshine, the south of France feels in some ways like a southern California. The region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur is home to nearly 200,000 students, and a tech hub at Sophia Antipolis, near Nice. Car-dependent, it boasts outside Marseille one of the biggest cases in France of urban commercial sprawl. Cosmetic surgeons are plentiful. Super-yachts fill marinas.
This right-wing tendency has some specific historical roots. When Algeria won independence from France in 1962, nearly 700,000 stepped off the boat in Marseille and other southern ports furious with Charles de Gaulle for ceding the territory. At the same time, North African immigrants, recruited to work on building sites or in factories, began to settle in the region. Xenophobic nationalism was a potent force used by Jean-Marie Le Pen, the National Front’s founder, to build support.
This hesitation is encapsulated by Brignoles, a small town that lies amid Mediterranean-pine forest between the motorway and the coast. With its narrow Medieval streets and terracotta-tiled roofs, its Provençal air is partly of the faded variety. The last nearby bauxite mine, once a provider of local jobs, closed in 1989. On the main street, “For Sale” signs are pasted to a boarded-up hairdresser, shoe shop and. Low-cost supermarkets lie along its ring-road.
Historically, Brignoles voted on the left, electing a Communist mayor as recently as 2008. Eight years ago, it grabbed national headlines when the National Front won a local by-election there, raising the spectre of a swing to the extreme right. Yet at municipal elections last year Brignoles defied the image that has clung to it ever since and backed Didier Brémond, the outgoing centre-right mayor, with a thumping 79% of the vote. The RN did not even field a candidate.
México Últimas Noticias, México Titulares
Similar News:También puedes leer noticias similares a ésta que hemos recopilado de otras fuentes de noticias.
Issa Rae Marries Louis Diame In the South of France -- See the Stunning Wedding Photos!The 'Insecure' star confirmed the news with a wedding day photo dump.
Leer más »
Issa Rae Ties the Knot in the South of France'Insecure' star IssaRae shared the news of her wedding to longtime boyfriend Louis Diame in the South of France with a tongue-in-cheek caption about an 'impromptu photo shoot' with 'Somebody's Husband'
Leer más »
Issa Rae Marries Louis Diame at a Romantic Ceremony in the South of FranceIssa Rae is married! The actor, writer, and producer announced her marriage to her long-term boyfriend, businessman Louis Diame
Leer más »
Issa Rae Married Her Longtime Partner At A Scenic Chateau In France, And I'm Not Messing Around When I Say You Need To See These Pics Right Now'Then I took a few flicks with Somebody's Husband.'
Leer más »
Issa Rae Marries Louis Diame During Intimate Wedding Ceremony in South of France - E! OnlineInsecure star Issa Rae packed her bags and headed to the South of France for her dream wedding to Louis Diame. Get all the details on her big day.
Leer más »
Well, Look Who Else Is Vacationing in Saint-TropezCelebrating his own birthday on the French Riviera, no less.
Leer más »