A significant part of the population doesn't trust political elites for various reasons such as:
- French Gvt inconsistent from A to Z (for example, saying PPE masks were useless before making it mandatory outside, etc.)
- Historical heritage: revolution, Kings decapitated, protests, dissertation at schools, etc.
- Scandals in the healthcare sector: blood transfusion scandals, etc,
- Mediterranean country: colonisation heritage and geography
The consequences are the:
- Mainstream media more critical to attract audience: generally speaking, a political debate in the UK is relatively consensual compared to the equivalent in France which is much more confrontational, ironical and aggressive.
- Conspiracy theories/alternative thinking are more popular
- Police and fines are needed to enforce the law and lockdown i.e. in other Mediterranean countries like Morocco, the army is required in the streets...
- French Gvt is blamed whatever they do by opposition parties
- Political U-turns are badly perceived
- High abstention from voting
Welcome to France