Скачать или смотреть FRANCE: PARIS: LAST DAY OF CAMPAIGNING IN LEGISLATIVE ELECTIONS

(23 May 1997) French/Nat

It's the last day of campaigning in the French legislative elections -- but the signs are the voters couldn't care less.

The election was called ten months early by President Jacques Chirac in an attempt to find a new 'elan' on the French political scene.

But it's a gamble that could backfire on the ruling right-wing majority.

The last big rallies before the first round of the French legislative elections brought out the fervent supporters -- and they don't come much more fervent than the National Front (F-N).

Thousands of campaigners joined F-N candidates to cheer party leader Jean-Marie Le Pen at the Palais des Sports in Paris.

The anti-immigration party looks set to win around 15 per cent of the vote in the first round but could fail to claim a seat in the National Assembly in the second round.

SOUNDBITE: (French)
"This electoral campaign which is in its last hours has been a complete fix supported by the head of state and his close advisers."
SUPER CAPTION: Jean-Marie Le Pen, Front National

Meanwhile the F-N's vociferous opponents have also been making
their presence felt.

With the election just two days away -- and no campaigning allowed tomorrow -- these anti-racism protesters are trying to swing voters away from the extreme right.

UPSOUND: Demonstration

Leading figures have been out on the campaign trail today (Friday) attempting to win over uncertain voters before Sunday's poll.

The 'don't knows' could hold the key.

The final opinion polls before a poll blackout imposed last weekend showed the ruling right-wing majority claiming a slim lead.

But some observers say the right is putting on a brave face on what could be an extremely tight race.

The last few days of the campaign have seen more and more discussion of a possible cohabitation government -- that is, a Socialist Assembly under the Gaullist president.

In any event, the future of current Prime Minister Alain Juppe is looking increasingly uncertain.

Even if the conservative RPR-UDF coalition wins there could be changes at the top -- and that could mean the return of familiar faces.

Former prime minister Edouard Balladur, who is being tipped for a possible return appearance, warned that victory isn't yet in the bag.

SOUNDBITE: (French)
"There's an important choice for the French - this Sunday and next Sunday and I hope with all my heart that they'll make the choice that is right for the future of France."
SUPER CAPTION: Edouard Balladur, Former French Prime Minister

Throughout the lightning campaign voters have been concerned with record unemployment - currently 12-point-8 per cent and the economic crisis.

And the politicians apparently don't have the answers.

Many people are clearly disillusioned with the whole political system.

The classic symptom of the public's dissatisfaction at the political 'status quo' would be to see a large protest vote in the first round of polling.

SOUNDBITE: (French)
"It's full of nothing, full of imagery, full of instruction but with absolutely nothing new or original - just repetition."
SUPERCAPTION: Vox Pop

SOUNDBITE: (French)
"We're obliged to go to vote for society's sake but nothing will change."
SUPERCAPTION: Vox Pop

When it comes to the deciding second round, with smaller parties eliminated, the fear for the major parties would be to suffer from abstentions.

The political landscape won't be clear until voters go the polls again on Sunday, June 1st.

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