Menu
Expat.com

Expat interest in politics in France

Post new topic

Bhavna

Hello everyone,

As an expat, your day-to-day life in France is impacted by decision-making at the political level in your host country as well as in your country of origin. We would like to know how involved you think expats should be in the political day-to-day of either their host or home country?

Can expats vote during elections which take place in their country of origin? Can you do so online or through embassies/consulates in France?

What is the administrative process which has been set up in France to enable expats to vote in their country of origin?

To which extent should political life in France include expats and their concerns? Should they be more active as a community to make their voices heard?

Are there any precautionary measures to observe during election period in your host country? Any local prohibitions?

Do you keep up with politics in France?

Thanks for sharing your experience.

Bhavna

ladivo779

Irrespective of who you vote for in France, very little will change. The country will always be a socialist state where the majority of adults work for the state and they are happy with this because it is almost impossible to fire somewhere apart from misconduct. Taxes will always be high to make this system run. We used to get a cheque each month for having children, the more children the more money. I had four children and the cheque was very welcome, paid for from the high taxes that people pay to the government.

barryfiatman

We received our pensions from England and Isle of Man since 2005, was working perfectly until the "brexit"vote in 2016 when the exchange rate gbp to Eur dropped dramatically.
Since then we have lost approx €20,000 in income.
Using our TV and online we follow earnestly the developments with UK politics hoping that the shambles will be resolved soon.
We hope that Jan 31 2020 will be the end of it, which is also my 80th birthday.
It is frustrating that we cannot vote anywhere, but we can send messages to politicians etc.
Sometimes they answer!

phipiemar

Hello Bhavna,

To have the right to vote, he must fulfill all these conditions:
- At least 18 years old the day before the first round of the election
- Living in France
- Being a national of a country of the European Union
- Enjoy your civil and political rights

An elector from another Member State of the European Union only has the right to vote in France for and the municipal and European elections.

To be able to vote in France, you must ask to be registered:
- On the complementary electoral lists of the municipal and European elections of the same municipality. You will then vote in France for each of these elections.
- Either only on the complementary electoral list of the municipal elections (you will then vote only in France for the municipal elections) or only on the complementary electoral list of the European elections (you will then vote only in France for the European elections).

It is possible to register on the complementary list of the municipality:
- Where is your home,
- Where you have been living for at least 6 months,
- Where you are liable for local taxes (housing tax, property tax on built or undeveloped properties, land assessment of companies) for at least 2 years
- Where is installed the company subjected for at least 2 years to the local taxes and of which you have been for at least 2 years the manager (manager) or the shareholder (majority or single)

Articles to help you in your expat project in France

  • A Student's Guide to Clubbing in Paris
    A Student's Guide to Clubbing in Paris

    Paris is probably the worst city you can go to if you don't have friends and only a guide book for nightlife ...

  • Income tax in France
    Income tax in France

    It's well known that France has one of the highest tax rates in the European Union, although not as high as ...

  • Getting around Lille
    Getting around Lille

    Situated in the heart of France's northeastern rail network, Lille is well-connected by rail to London, ...

  • Accommodation in Bordeaux
    Accommodation in Bordeaux

    When most people think of Bordeaux, sprawling vineyards and world-class wine come to mind, but this port city on ...

  • Working in Bordeaux
    Working in Bordeaux

    Located in the Gironde region of southwestern France, Bordeaux is one of the country's largest cities. This ...

  • Getting around Bordeaux
    Getting around Bordeaux

    Located along the Garonne River, Bordeaux is a dynamic and vibrant city with excellent connections to the rest of ...

  • Accommodation in Toulouse
    Accommodation in Toulouse

    Located in southwestern France, in the Occitanie region, Toulouse is known as "la Ville Rose" (the Pink ...

  • How to Get Your Sport On in France
    How to Get Your Sport On in France

    I am an incorrigible sportif. A total addict. I’ll play any game, with anyone, anywhere. It’s just ...

All of France's guide articles