• If you are having problems logging in please use the Contact Us in the lower right hand corner of the forum page for assistance.

Ranchers.net

French Presidential Candidate Campaigns With Condom Giveaways
by The Associated Press

August 22, 2006 - 9:00 pm ET

(Paris) Vacationers visiting France's beaches are getting some unusual promotional goodies such as condoms stamped with the logo of the ruling conservative political party.

With presidential elections coming up in the spring, French politicians are testing new waters in a country that usually emphasizes rhetoric - speeches and pamphlets - over image-building buzz.
Members of the conservative Union for a Popular Movement have been touring beaches and vacation spots across France with truckloads of party merchandise to shore up support for Nicolas Sarkozy, interior minister and party leader.

Before the tour ends on Sept. 1, the party, known by its French initials UMP, will have visited some 40 beaches and tourist destinations along France's picturesque coastline.

Among the most popular items are condoms emblazoned with the party's logo and flip-flops that leave a U-M-P footprint behind when worn over wet sand, the party said.

Franck Louvrier, the UMP's head of communications, said the initiative aims to create interest in politics among groups that do not traditionally associate with the party, including students and syndicated workers.

"The idea is to address a population that is not used to being in touch with politics," he said. "We are talking to youths, and they are more receptive during the holidays."

Making politics attractive to voters even if it takes handing out gifts is the key to overcoming the unpopularity of France's mainstream parties in the wake of nationwide student protests this spring over a proposed labor law, Louvrier said.

"We are looking to open an interactive dialogue," he said. "And sometimes, it is through a fashion accessory that we can start discussions about politics."
Top