Sorry Frenchie but voting rights within the individual EU nations is not something which the EU has meddled with. They have a base line by which citizens of other EU states are guaranteed voting rights at local and European elections - but all countries in the EU can go further than that if they wish. In Portugal all foreigners have voting rights at local elections wherever their origin. There is no EU law which prevents France from giving you a vote at local elections - this is a French decision. The EU does not interfere with the political systems of individual states other than to set minimum standards.
I have a letter from my maire telling me that I have lost my vote, and quotes EU articles, and paragraphs. I know that it will be possible for France and the UK to set up a separate agreement over such things, but so far they haven't even discussed it that I can see. Places like Spain and Portugal have set things in motion from their end to protect the travel industry, but being so close to England France has been more concerned about cross channel traffic and customs than resident rights. I am not sure if we are on the third or forth attempt now for people to prove that they do live here, but everything on that was put on hold until July. They are supposed to be devising a simple online application rather than taking over warehouses to store all the paperwork.
Morning all... Refugee cafe I run now suspended. Our trip to France cancelled Birthday trip to Swaledale under threat, friends pulling out. Trip to Corsica in May unlikely to go ahead Been told by kids not to go to supermarket. There is only one place i can get my low carb bread.. A supermarket.. Our Friday oldies walk will go ahead but we all drive there in our own cars.. And we all need to walk two metres apart.. No coffee shop trips from now on.. That hurts Etc etc All seems so petty really.. Have a good day.. One and all and keep safe..
Morning all. Dry and the sun just beginning to appear from behind the clouds. There is a very strange atmosphere here at the moment as we digest just how we need to adjust our way of thinking. There seems to be an unnatural silence, as the farm is quiet, I guess the cattle have been moved from the barn out onto the grass, and there are no birds in the garden looking for food. Son-in-law who works in Switzerland has had his office closed for two weeks already, and has now been told it is for an indefinite period. He thought about coming back to France and working from home, but has given up that idea as with the border closed he can prove that he lives here, but might have trouble getting back when he has to. Also with his daughters doing school work by video link their internet is already creaking. I think I will spend some time gardening this week. I might have to become a veggie yet. Have a good day one and all.
Oh Dave! I've not been in the Nest for a while so I've just cottoned on to this and I'm saddened to read your news. I just hope that you're comfortable enough to have some quality time with friends and loved ones and, perhaps, fit enough to tick a few more things off the bucket list. Concentrate on the quality, the quantity will look after itself. And we all thought that 2019 was a ****e year...
Went to Waitrose yesterday to get my low carb bread.. Could not believe what I saw.. It was like a war zone with everything sold out... .... What crazy times ... Oh and have a good day
Morning all. A lovely warm sunny day here, and I noticed a snake about 2'.0" long sunning itself on the grass along side the house. They are quite harmless so I left it to warm up. Gardening is back on the agenda now, and last night had some Brussel Sprouts that went in rather late in the autumn, but have provided us with some more vegetables. Pleased to see that the rhubarb is now making some good growth. Rhubarb and custard always goes down well with me, but it is quite good in crumbles and pies with some cream or ice cream. I started to prepare a patch for some French beans what seems like weeks ago, but the ground has dried just enough to finish that off and get some seed in under cloches. Hope you all enjoy what you are doing!
