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Olivier Besancenot on Société and the French left

The leading figures of the British far left are regular guests on TV and the radio. Their phones never stop ringing with invitations to comment on the state of the economy or their strategic plans. Some nights they are on more programmes than all the celebrity chefs put together. It’s not like that in France…

Liam
1–2 minutes

The leading figures of the British far left are regular guests on TV and the radio. Their phones never stop ringing with invitations to comment on the state of the economy or their strategic plans. Some nights they are on more programmes than all the celebrity chefs put together. It’s not like that in France but I’ve managed to come across this rare interview with the LCR’s Olivier Besancenot which he gave to an early evening TV show a few days ago. He’s asked to give his views on Société Générale and what the LCR is planning to do about its broad party scheme. Unfortunately he makes a big concession to national chauvinism and speaks entirely in French throughout

If anyone wants to summarise what he says please feel free and I’ll add it to the post.

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10 responses to “Olivier Besancenot on Société and the French left”

  1. X factor Avatar
    X factor

    ‘ The leading figures of the British far left are regular guests on TV and the radio. Their phones never stop ringing with invitations to comment on the state of the economy or their strategic plans’ (Liam)

    Really! I’m obviously missing something.

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  2. Seán Avatar
    Seán

    Like irony.

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  3. Liam Avatar
    Liam

    X factor I do keep saying that an absolutely literal reading of this site is sometimes a real barrier to understanding. Thanks for the demonstration.

    Still at least you weren’t writing barely sober in the small hours which probably explains the absence of the abuse which is a feature of the literalists.

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  4. Jason Avatar
    Jason

    With all due apologies for not speaking French, but what, in precis, does Mr Bescancnot, say?

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  5. Paul Avatar
    Paul

    I think he’s telling us what he had for breakfast this morning. Or maybe not. It looks like Liam has no more idea than anyone else. Otherwise he would have already given a summary. If I am correct about this, then it might have made more sense, given the notorious lack of language skills by the British, for Liam to appeal for French speakers to make themselves known to Liam. That way, Liam could have sent a link to those comrades who claim to have these skills and then they could provide a free translation service, and their summary presented alongside the video. It also might be best if Liam located some ISG member who speaks French to do this job. After all, the nuances might be lost of those who may be deemed politically hostile to the LCR. Not that long ago, Liam posted a translation of an article in the LCR’s paper, by someone who translated Respect as the ploughsare party, or something similar. Even a poor, overly literal translater would be better than nothing. If the only people who post comments in this section complain about their inability to understand French, then clearly there is no point having this video on this blog.

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  6. Liam Avatar
    Liam

    Paul, c’est assez facile comprendre ce qu’il mais j’avais des autres choses à faire aujourd’hui. Si je reste à la maison dimanche je vais expliquer les points plus importants. OK?

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  7. Lobby Ludd Avatar
    Lobby Ludd

    I think I can give a brief translation of the article.

    A leading member of the far left was interviewed on an early evening French TV programme. He was asked about a recent financial scandal, and his party’s plans for the future.

    This does not happen in the UK, this is noteworthy, and a translation of his interview would be welcome.

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  8. charliemarks Avatar
    charliemarks

    I failed French at school – I can barely speak my native English.

    But I think it’s safe to say that a leftist would only be invited to speak on the box if the translation were thus:

    “Let’s not talk about the economic crisis facing millions of people around the world and (forgive my concession to national chauvinism) especially here in France. Rather, let us ask – will Sarko marry Carla Bruni? What will she wear? What will he wear? Where will they honeymoon? Will it last or is it true love? Is she pregnant? Is he pregnant? What will Cecilia say?”

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  9. Mike Calvert Avatar
    Mike Calvert

    And I thought Daniel Gluckstein was on TV every night!

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  10. Prinkipo Exile Avatar
    Prinkipo Exile

    While this interview is noteworthy, it is certainly not unusual for Besancenot to be interviewed on television on a major issue of French politics. He was barely off the box last time I was in France – you could be pretty certain to see him on the major news channels at least a couple of times a week. No surprise that he got 1.5 million votes.

    Surely the SWP cannot continue with the claim to be the largest revolutionary organisation in Europe any more – it must be the LCR in terms of impact on the political process alone?

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