France's Hard Road in Africa

Legacy of colonialism requires legacy of mentorship

Ever since the long process of de-colonization in Africa, French foreign policy on that continent has been something of a puzzle.

As previously noted to be the case for Britain, too forceful activity on the part of the French in Africa will bring charges of colonialism. But to decline to engage with their former colonies will allow the political environment in Africa to continue festering.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy has moved away from the spectre of colonialism by decommissioning two of Frence's five military bases on the continent. But given the political environment in Africa, the answer cannot be less French presence. It in fact needs to be more.

In July Sarkozy will host a summit between France and its former African colonies. The summit will likely help France find the answer of what the ideal level of engagement with its former colonies should be. The question that lingers is whether or not France is prepared to make the necessary commitment required.

Sarkozy seems to place at least some of the blame for Africa's plight on African leadership.

"The tragedy of Africa is that the African has not fully entered into history," Sarkozy recently announced.

But France needs to provide desperately-needed mentorship to the leaders of its former African colonies -- in places like The Congo, Chad, and the Central African Republic.

That was once the way of France's African policies -- French West Africans were regarded as fully French, and were often offered educational opportunities at that level. Often the bulk of governmental responsibilities were assigned to African leaders, who worked directly under French higher authorities.

The haste of de-colonization allowed cronyism and virulent forms of nationalism-tattooed-upon-tribalism to set in in many of these former French colonies, destroying what progress the French model of colonialism -- one comparatively benevolent in some respects -- had wrought.

The new model of French mentorship with its former colonies clearly cannot simply be an updated version of the old model. La Francophonie could prove to be valuable tool of multi-national mentorship to these colonies. Unfortunately, some of the more developed members of La Francophonie have little to offer in this regard.

Belgium, for example, was known for the brutal oppression of its colonies in Africa. Greece has few positive examples to offer to France's former colonies, judging from the status of its finances.

That would leave the burden of leadership in La Francophonie to France, Canada, and Switzerland. Nor could these three countries direct all of their attentions to Africa. Haiti is indesperate need of this manner of help.

France's hard road in Africa is one that it doesn't have to travel alone. Hopefully, the results of Nicolas Sarkozy's Africa summit will help him realize that.

France Set to Get Tough on Debt

Nicolas Sarkozy proposes debt-limiting constitution

As Europe desperately attempts to stave off a complete economic collapse precipitated by the fiscal irresponsibility of the Greek government -- possibly to be followed by the Italian, Spanish and Irish governments -- French President Nicolas Sarkozy has reiterated his commitment to limiting France's public debt.

Sarkozy is prepared to go so far as to amend France's constitution. The propsed amendment would require any French government that runs a deficit to commit to a five-year plan to balance the budget and pay off the debt.

"Without budgetary adjustment, our growth and our social model are threatened," Sarkozy explained. "That is what lies behind the decisions I have presented."

Not only is Sarkozy proposing to constitutionally mandate fiscal responsibility, he's also moved to set a strong example. His government will reduce France's deficit to 6% of its Gross Domestic Product in 2011, and to 4.6% in 2012.

"From 2011 onwards, we will rigidly strengthen spending controls, we will not allow ourselves any generalized rises in taxes, we will go at the pace of the economic recovery and will pursue reforms that will put growth back on its feet," Sarkozy announced. "It's not austerity, nor is it laxity, but responsibility."

Sarkozy is apparently prepared to be as tough as he needs to be with the kind of spending reductions necessary to make his fiscal reforms possible. Overall spending on health insurance will be limited to 3% of GDP in 2010. That's reduced from 3.3% in 2009.

Sarkozy is likely responding to pressure from German Chancellor Angela Merkel for other countries to adopt measures similar to Germany's balanced budget law.

The cuts will be difficult to make in a country with a traditionally high unemployment rate, but Sarkozy's promised constitutional commitment to lower taxes could, in time, lead to the kind of economic growth necessary to reduce that historical trend.

France's example will be one for the rest of Europe to follow -- if they can only get a grip of the Kanellos' of the militant left.

The Marvelous Michaelle

Michaelle Jean may be Canada's best diplomat

When Michaelle Jean ascended to the role of Governor General, she would have been forgiven for thinking that she didn't have her work cut out for her.

Considering the central importance of the Governor General's office to Canadian democracy it's odd that the Governor General has largely been irrelevant in Canadian politics.

However, it's becoming increasingly clear that Michaelle Jean is setting the bar for future Governors General higher than it has ever been before.

There should be little doubt that Jean is one of the best diplomatic assets Canada currently has at its disposal -- if not the absolute best.

It seems that no matter which world leader Michaelle Jean meets she cannot help but impress. Following Barack Obama's visit to Ottawa this week Jean has been invited to continue correspondance with Obama regarding the situation in Haiti.

With Canadian soldiers still serving in the country, Haiti has become Canada's forgotton mission. And while Canada recently increased its aid commitment to Haiti the day-to-day prospects of Hatians has reportedly improved very little.

While the arduous task of arranging a formal visit to Washington may be prohibitive to Jean actually paying a visit to Obama in person, Jean will hopefully keep the lines of communication between herself and Obama open.

The new US President isn't the only foreign dignitary -- and key ally -- that Jean has mightily impressed. French President Nicolas Sarkozy was known to be awestruck by the Governor General.

Considering Jean's obviously incredible talent for the task it seems that the amount of time it takes to plan an official visit -- reportedly upwards of a year -- may actually make the Governor General's office a waste of her talents. Perhaps it's time for Canada to establish a new office -- perhaps something along the lines of a Diplomat General -- to accomodate individuals of Jean's mammoth talents, and allow other, less overwhelmingly impressive, individuals to serve as Governor General.

To date, Jean's efforts have produced dividends on two important areas of Canadian policy -- the fight against Quebec separatism and Canada's peacekeeping mission in Haiti.

By contrast Jean's successor, Adrienne Clarkson, ran up an impressive bill traveling Europe peddling the questionable idea of "Nordicness" to not-so-impressed northern European dignitaries.

If Michaelle Jean continues to impress on the global stage one can only imagine where her career path could take her. Perhaps elected office could lead her to becoming Canada's second female -- and first black -- Prime Minister.

But considering the normally apolitical nature of her office, such speculation may be more than slightly imprudent.

One way or another, Michaelle Jean is an incredible asset to Canada. Hopefully, Prime Minister Stephen Harper is wise enough to make the most of it.


Other bloggers writing on this topic:

Rod 2.0 Beta - "Obama and Michaelle Jean, Canada's First Black Governor General"

Like It Or Not, There's More to Canada Than Just Quebec

Nicolas Sarkozy stands by his pro-unity stance

Even in the wake of criticism from Bloc Quebecois leader Gilles Duceppe and Parti Quebecois leader Pauline Marois, Nicolas Sarkozy is standing his ground.

Sarkozy has offered no apologies to Duceppe and Marois in the face of feined outrage at recent comments in which he denounced "sectarianism" and "self-confinement". Sarkozy reportedly did not mention Quebec separatists, but it's fairly clear what he meant.

In typical fashion, Marois and Duceppe responded with an angry letter to Sarkozy.

"Never has a head of state shown such a lack of respect towards the more than two million Quebecers who consider themselves sovereigntists," the two complained. "Would France agree to stay in a European Union that imposed a treaty that unilaterally reduces their sovereignty on questions of identity without even putting it to a referendum?"

Of course Duceppe and Marois may want to double check their definition of the word "unilateral". Their insistence that the Constitution was imposed unilaterally on Quebec treats the rest of Canada as a monolithic entity, as opposed to what it actually is -- 11 separate provinces.

"We don't know where you got the idea that we detest Canada," they continued. "Despite our important differences, we respect this country, their values and their population. We think an independent Quebec will put to rest the bitterness and the exhaustive debate that has marked our history here in Canada."

Except that it won't. There remains marked division within Quebec around the separatist issue. As during the 1995 sovereignty referendum, a future referendum would inevitably bring the question regarding whether or not Quebec itself is divisible. Certainly, many federalist, aboriginal, anglophone and ethnic regions would hastily separate from Quebec given the option.

"We are not sectarian, we are not closed in on ourselves, we do not detest Canada," Marois would later elaborate. "We want to live in better harmony, and sovereignty would allow us to establish links and a better relationship with the rest of Canada."

Of course, however Marois believes Quebec could live in better harmony with Canada by leaving Canada is likely a matter for further quetioning.

Furthermore, one simply has to consider that there would be differing roles for separatists and federalists within a sovereign Quebec. No one expects the separatists to try to make another play for Quebec sovereignty until they firmly hold the reins of power and have reason to believe that they can expect to keep hold.

This is before one even considers the highly questionable relationship between the Quebec separatist movement and ethnic, anglophone, and aboriginal communities.

If Duceppe and Marois are truly so troubled by Sarkozy's remarks it's likely because they come too close to the truth for comfort.

Nicolas Sarkozy owes Quebec separatists no apologies.

Old Separatists Never Die, They Just Get Pissed Off At France

Jacques Parizeau hurt by Nicolas Sarkozy's pro-unity comments

If anything over the past few years has lulled the Quebec separatist movement into a false sense of security, it certainly hasn't been French president Nicolas Sarkozy.

Some comments Sarkozy made while in Canada on Friday have enraged Quebec separatists once again, when he questioned the role of Quebec separatism given the current state of the world.

“It's something constant in my political life. If someone tries to tell me that the world today needs an additional division, then they don't have the same read of the world as me,” Sarkozy said. “I don't know why a fraternal love of Quebec would have to be nourished through defiance toward Canada.”

Jacques Parizeau, for his own part, was outraged at the comments.

“What this implies is that it is a judgment that is very anti-Quebec sovereignty that says: ‘We do not agree with Quebec sovereignty, we do not want additional divisions," Parizeau sniffed. "We accept divisions everywhere in the world but not that one.'”

Parizeau also noted that he doesn't feel Sarkozy's comments should damage a sovereign Quebec's relations with France. “It isn't because a head of state says an outrageous remark that it should change our relations with the French people,” he added.

Perhaps it's natural that Parizeau would be upset. For years, Quebec's sovereingtist movement depended upon France's support following a vote to separate from Canada. French President Jacques Chirac had pledged his willingness to help a newly sovereign Quebec chart its way through the international community.

But one of Jean Chretien's many valuable accomplishments as Prime Minister of Canada was turning Chirac from a pro-Pequiste adversary into a pro-Canadian unity ally.

Ever since, Quebec separatists have had less and less reason to feel confident about French support for their cause.

Former Quebec Premier Bernard Landry also took it upon him to add his two cents.

“I hope the President of the republic poorly expressed himself and that it is not the way he actually thinks,” Landry mused. “If the President of the French republic came and interfered in our affairs and took a position against the independence of Quebec, well then it is extremely serious.”

Of course, many Canadians -- French Canadians and otherwise, within Quebec and otherwise -- would likewise view pro-sovereignty comments by Sarkozy as interference in the matter of Canadian unity. Many certainly did when former French President Charles DeGaulle did so.

"What I think is Mr. Sarkozy has maybe misunderstood our project," said current Parti Quebecois leader Pauline Marois. "Maybe he doesn't understand the sovereignty project of the Quebec people which, on the contrary, is a very inclusive project, open on the world, and modern. People for decades around the world have given themselves countries, and I think Mr. Sarkozy rejoiced."

Of course, very few of these ethnic groups felt the need to deceive their own people in order to accomplish this task, but one digresses.

"Some people have a - how would you say - blunter interpretation [of the remarks]," Marois said of Parizeau's comments. "It's clear, if Mr. Sarkozy's references about a divisive project refer to the sovereignty project, it is simply not the case."

So apparently, to Pauline Marois, Quebec sovereigntism isn't divisive despite the fact that so many Quebeckers don't want it, and in 1995 the PQ and Bloc Quebecois had to pose a perplexing question to Quebeckers in order to artificially inflate support for "sovereignty association".

For her own part, former PQ Minister of International Relations Louise Beaudoin doesn't regard this as a threat to a sovereign Quebec's potential recognition. "The day Quebecers decide to be sovereign, notwithstanding the Clarity Act, by 50 per cent plus one, I'm telling you, France will recognize Quebec. It seems so obvious to me. They recognized Kosovo and Bosnia-Herzegovina, Moldova and I don't know who else," she insisted. "Sarkozy is a very pragmatic man. He changes his mind."

If Sarkozy were ever put in a position where he had to change his mind regarding Quebec separatism, it's entirely possible that he might. But with even Quebec separatists continually putting off another referendum until the conditions are right -- a time that hasn't arrived in 13 years, and isn't likely to arrive soon -- Sarkozy is unlikely to ever have to face such a prospect.

In the meantime, Jacques Parizeau can get as angry about Nicolas Sarkozy as he wants. It isn't getting him any closer to a sovereign Quebec.

A French President Who Knows How to Handle Quebec

Sarkozy wants to help Canadian unity

In another move certain to infuriate Gilles Duceppe, today French President Nicolas Sarkozy announced he wants to "bring together" Quebec and Canada.

But what a difference 41 years can make.

On July 24, 1967, then-French president Charles De Gaulle addressed a crowd assembled outside Montreal City Hall. In years since, it would be identified as a hallmark moment for the Quebec sovereigntist movement. "Vive le Quebec libre!" he announced.

"I'll confide in you a secret that you will not repeat," he said. "Tonight and all along my route, I found myself in an atmosphere of the same kind as the liberation" [of France from Nazi Germany].

"One day or another, Quebec will be independent," DeGaulle was quoted as having said only four years earlier.

De Gaulle was visiting Quebec partially to commemorate Expo 1967, which was being held in Montreal. Historican (then-television reporter) Joe King, who reported extensively on De Gaulle's visit would later note that the visit "seemed staged to breathe nationalist life into Quebecers".

"He was pretending that he was liberating these villages," he added. "The whole thing was an act, from one end to another. The whole thing was a pretence to stir up trouble."

De Gaulle's characteristic arrogance is well documented in the pages of history. Certainly, De Gaulle was an individual who believed himself entitled to interfere in the affairs of numerous countries -- including Canada.

More than four decades later, there's been quite an attitude change in the French Presidency.

"The future of Canada and of France will be the future of two countries, not simply allies, but friends," Sarkozy said today. "Our friendships and our loyalties do not oppose one another. We bring them together so each can understand what we have in common. We will turn toward the future so the future of Canada and France will be the future of two countries that are not only allies, but two friends."

Sarkozy made the remarks while visiting a Canadian military cemetery in Beny-Reviers while commemorating the 63rd anniversary of VE Day, marking the end of the second World War in Europe. The sacrifices made by thousands of Canadian troops -- mostly English Canadians while most French Canadians stayed home -- in liberating France is something that De Gaulle certainly overlooked. Its comforting that succeeding French Presidents haven't done the same.

Of course, Gilles Duceppe will almost certainly have something to say about Sarkozy's efforts at helping to unite Canada.

Remarkably, although Duceppe will certainly protest until Canadians have tired of hearing from him, Sarkozy's intentions toward Canadian Unity will have far less an effect than he -- or Canadians -- would like to hope. France simply hasn't been viewed as important to Quebec nationalists for many years now.

All the same, relations between Canada and France -- especially vis a vis France are moving in the right direction. Nicolas Sarkozy is a credit to the country he serves.