Europe is not at the centre of the French presidential election - but first-round results show France will rally for the European project afterwards, writes Philippe Cosson.
Observers may be surprised in following the French presidential election that Europe is largely absent from the campaign. So far, few of the candidates have expressed strong views on Europe and very little debate is driven by the European project. When Europe is mentioned it is often to express how each candidate won't in any way be the "prisoner" of any European agenda.
Jacques Chirac, the outgoing president, is the exception, and in his last formal speech he expressed his personal dedication and belief in Europe. But Chirac is not a candidate any more.
The French No to the European constitution was a blow to its supporters and I felt personally aggrieved about the impact it could have on Europe and on my country. France, one of the six founders of our European institution, had chosen, along with the Netherlands - also pioneers of the EEC - to be part of the resistance to the new European constitution. Added to the paradox was the fact the constitution had been engineered under the leadership of Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, a former French president. How to make sense of this provocative choice?
I also felt some relief that the French people had expressed the resentment felt by a clear majority. Former Yes votes had often been more a ritual nod than full approval, and the gap between what was said about Europe and what was perceived by the people was widening: French voters did not feel empowered by Europe's institutions.
And is not democracy the best way to empower people? As in education, saying No is sometimes a good start in taking responsibility. I believe that French people, time permitting, will take a step in that direction.
Geographically and historically, France is part of Europe and always will be. We will never have a discussion like the one that took place in England, about being both in and out of Europe. France is continental.
For France, there is no "Boston or Berlin" alternative, and we have to understand that this sometimes is a source of frustration. Three generations of French voters have been told that European integration is a must and a plus. Three generations of French voters have supported an institution bringing the certainties of peace and economic hope. I know a score of convinced European supporters who, facing this continuous lack of debate and choice, voted No on the day - just for the sake of saying, for once, "I exist". Some of them regret this choice.
Having historically been a leader of European institutions, can France accept the role of team player in a wider Europe? Are French voters ready to see themselves as part of an open project and not a Francocentric vision? This same question should be asked of all European members, because it is where our common project starts.
We know that the French were delighted with Ireland's leadership of Europe and are happy to play as equal members in numerous institutions. French rugby players have also shown in the last 10 years that French individuals can be disciplined and committed to results. When French people have an opportunity to choose they are eager enough to take on the challenge. Having said No once, the voters will certainly have more sense when they choose to commit again.
I believe strongly that in the near future France will again take part in the drive towards our continental project. But time is of the essence. I was in Prague in December 1989 when a poet, Václav Havel, was leading the Czech revolution. I remember him quoting again and again an old Chinese saying: "Only children think that you can make a plant grow by pulling on it."
Will France fully commit again to Europe? Yes. When? In its own time.
In that frustrating context the presidential election could be seen as a good platform for debate and the development of a new sense of France European commitment. While the election has motivated French voters, it is foreseeable that Europe will not be key in this election. More than 85 per cent of French voters cast their ballots in the first round, an unprecedented turnout in recent times. These first results show that more than 86 per cent of voters support the three pro-Europe candidates. Giving consumers empty dreams and more money will probably not be enough to get elected this time. Some observers mention an identity crisis, which I find a bit dramatic: it is more a wake-up call that French voters are seeking, and I believe it is coming.
So, will Europe be central in election debates? Not directly - there is not yet enough of a consensus in French society. The prime-time television debate between Nicolas Sarkozy and Ségolène Royal scheduled for May 2nd will be interesting in this matter.
I believe the French will engage in more collaboration and more endeavour with our European friends. In this context I am delighted to mention that the Irish French Chamber of Commerce and the German Irish Chamber of Commerce will demonstrate their commitment to Europe in organising their members' night together.
Philippe Cosson is president of the Irish French Chamber of Commerce