Back in August, I noted the controversy in France over paparazzi photos of Socialist politician S?gol?ne Royal in a bikini on the French Riveria. Now, it appears that Royal’s fellow Socialists have decided that sex sells:
PARIS, Nov. 17 — Riding a wave of popular disgust with France’s political status quo, S?gol?ne Royal on Thursday used an Internet-fueled, personality-driven campaign to capture the Socialist Party’s nomination for president and boost her bid to become France’s first female head of state.
Royal, 53, an unmarried mother of four and glamorous protege of French presidential icon Francois Mitterrand, capitalized on her image as a fresh-faced cyber-candidate, running an insurgent’s campaign to shake up the stodgy, male-dominated world of French politics. Party officials declared her the winner as vote-counting continued early Friday.
Le Monde newspaper estimated that she captured about 61 percent of the vote in turning back challenges from two party stalwarts — former finance minister Dominique Strauss-Kahn and ex-prime minister Laurent Fabius, who both garnered about 19 percent, Le Monde projected.
Royal will carry the Socialist banner in the crowded first round of France’s presidential race on April 22, when more than a dozen contenders are likely to vie for the Elysee Palace. The top two vote-getters will run against each other in the final ballot on May 6.
And, if she campaigns in her summer attire, she might just win.
November 17th, 2006 at 2:08 am
Madame Royal looks great in a bikini. I’m just praying that Nancy Pelosi and Hillary Clinton don’t start thinking that this is the ticket to electoral victory!!!