Living the French Elections 2022
Dr Nicole McLean
Thursday 16th September, 206 days until the first election round
Bonjour !
It was by pure coincidence that the first Living The French Elections 2022 discussion group took place on the same day as the AUKUS pact announcement. This of course meant that the French-Australian submarine deal had been scrapped. Yet, it is hoped that this discussion group, along with expanding knowledge and understanding of French politics, also acts as a tool to strengthen and repair relations between Australia and France.
The group brings together 30 academics from universities across Australia to monitor and analyse the French elections next year. The objective is to increase understanding of the social, cultural and political environment in France in the lead-up to the elections. The co-founders of the group are newly-graduated PhD student from SOLL, Dr Nicole McLean, and Professor of French, Véronique Duché.
Topics cover a broad range of issues. From the enduring ethos of the May 1968 riots and current challenges the Left faces, to the rise of the Nouvelle Droite (New Right) and far-right political movement Génération identitaire (Generation Identity), this group explores the contemporary trends in French political life. Through collaboration between academics and political experts in France and Australia, the group provides background and insight into the electoral support for and electoral campaigns of the key candidates.
Meetings take place every two weeks initially, on Thursdays at 5:30pm via zoom, and will increase to weekly in the lead-up to the presidential elections on the 10th and 24th of April next year. Guest speakers, such as academics and journalists in France, are invited to give talks to stimulate debate. Any interested academics are welcome, along with undergraduate and post-graduate students. Together, we hope to improve understanding of the French social, cultural and political climate. Come and join the discussion!
Vive les élections 2022 !