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Ségo and Sarko: not so different

David Rennie

Wednesday, 22nd November 2006

If you need reminding why France is so aggravating, pay a visit to the political hometown of Ségolène Royal, newly selected as the Socialist candidate for next spring’s presidential elections. Melle, a small market town between Poitiers and the port of La Rochelle, has been Royal’s political base camp since 1988, when she was first elected to the national assembly.

On paper, Melle should not work. Unemployment runs at some 12 per cent, and has been at that level for years. A single chemicals factory dominates the local economy, though it offers only 350 jobs. According to political opponents of Mme Royal, not one large private firm has been lured to the area in two decades.

Yet Melle is in excellent repair — thanks to a torrent of public money. Though it is barely more than a village, with 4,500 people, Melle’s public services are housed in mansions of honey-coloured stone, and art deco halls.

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