With abstention breaking records in recent elections, it’s important to hear what voters have to say. Vote of Conviction or Protest? Let’s hear what citizens think about what motivated their votes.
François Mitterrand has just won the presidential election in 1988. In Toulouse, on the Place du Capitole, a crowd of people celebrates the event. Microsidewalk and opinions of happy or disappointed voters. A young woman says: "I voted by proxy, for Mitterrand and I am super happy...".
Before the 1995 presidential election in France, micro-sidewalks of voters explain the reasons for their support for Jacques Chirac and the qualities they find him.
En 1995 dans certains quartiers de la ville de Maubeuge, département du Nord, le taux de chômage est élevé. Au premier tour de l'élection présidentielle le Front National est arrivé en tête. Interviews d'habitants de Maubeuge qui expliquent leur vote et disent ce qu'ils voteront au deuxième tour de l'élection. Un homme explique : "Moi j'ai voté Jean-Marie Le Pen...je voulais faire voir à ces grands partis politiques qu'il y en a marre d'être au chômage".
Residents of Uckange in Moselle express their views on the outcome of the 1988 presidential election. Interviewed, one man comments on the percentage of votes obtained by Jean-Marie Le Pen in the first round, another explains why he voted François Mitterrand.