The night-walkers of Uganda

party leader in 2002. They have four children but have never married.
9
For months, people criticized Royal for having no clear policies, and just talking vaguely about family values
and public morals. Now she is explaining her plans to modernise France, but, like Mitterrand, her opinions 
seem both right and left. She annoyed the left by suggesting a form of military service for difficult teenagers,
and criticising the Socialists’ popular 35-hour working week. However, she strongly supports trade unions,
and has promised to ban genetically modified food. Unlike the rest of her party, she admires Tony Blair,
but she is against the war in Iraq. “My diplomatic policy would not consist of going and kneeling in front of 
George Bush,” she has said. 
10
“The Socialist party in France has been a clique of men, cut off from the population.” says MEP Gilles
Savary, part of Royal’s inner circle. Royal is promising to speak for ordinary people in a society where those 
in power don’t listen to them. She has also promised, “Power won’t change me.” But many outside the 
Segosphere still wonder who Royal really is, and what won’t be changing. 
Madame la Présidente? 
Level 1 
l
Elementary
23

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3
General comprehension
Match the beginnings to the ends of these sentences about the article.
1. Ségolène Royal… 
a. …but he is not her husband.
2. There are not enough…
b. …are not typically socialist.
3. Madame Royal would like people… 
c. ...should go into the army.
4. Some members of the socialist party…
d. …British and American policy on Iraq.
5. She lives with François Hollande…
e. …to be more equal.
6. Some of her policies
f. …had an unhappy childhood.
7. She thinks difficult teenagers…
g. …don’t want her to be president.
8. She doesn’t agree with…
h. …jobs for everyone in France.