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SCMP Reporter

London

There's much talk of the Polish plumber or barmaid in London, but there has been one ethnic influx overlooked - the French. So many, in fact, the centre-right candidate Nicolas Sarkozy held an election rally here in January.

There are 300,000 French now in the London area - making it France's sixth-biggest city.

'Do we mind?' asked an Evening Standard editorial. 'Pas de tout ... France's loss is our gain.'

Why the banker, baker, public relations girl, graphic designer, DJ, cheese seller or crepe maker are in London has become a source of pride in Britain. Like a long cold war finally won, London has beaten Paris.

But why? Parisian Isabelle Benyamin, 42, explains: 'There's many things - the desire to learn English, the creative scene here, the opportunities of a more liberal, more cosmopolitan society, and yes, the economy.'

Ms Benyamin, who owns  a bar in the East End, says: 'If I wanted a bar in France it'd take 30 years. Here it took me two. You can start a company in a day, with nothing. In France, with all the bureaucracy, you'd need GBP10,000 [HK$156,000].

'I think the lack of interest in France in modern art sums up France - it is conservative. New is not respected. Everything is designed to preserve this great way of life we have, but it is smothering it. There is an arrogance that we think France is the best, but it's becoming obvious it is not.'

Jeannette Laouadi, 31, is a second-generation French-North African from Lille, two hours on a cross-channel train. 'Near enough to pop home for lunch,' she jokes.

But her home is London.

'I came here eight years ago to perfect my English and then stayed as a translator. I then became a project manager and now I develop fund-raising strategies for NGOs.

'This could not have happened in France. The job market is too rigid, too socially conservative. It is heavily regulated and there is too much emphasis on qualifications, not on practical experience.

'Here, there is more value on experience and enthusiasm, and you can change careers easily.'

Both Ms Benyamin and Ms Laouadi voted for Segolene Royal, the Socialist presidential candidate who will run off against Mr Sarkozy on May 6.  'I know in my head we need a Sarkozy to change things. But he is too right-wing, too brutal,' says Ms Benyamin.

Events director Fred Monteuil, 33, has been in London for 10 years.

'I voted for Sarkozy. Look, I'm gay and he is not my natural choice because he disrespects minorities, but France needs an electric shock, like a [former British prime minister Lady] Thatcher. We've had 25 years of an overly protected economy.'

Ms Laouadi also fears Mr Sarkozy, saying second-generation immigrants will have as much trouble getting jobs.

'If you have an African- or Arab- sounding name in France you won't even get an interview. Here, no one cares,' she says.

'The French say 'vive la difference', but they don't like difference. There is a paradox between what France thinks it is about - liberte, egalite, etc. - and reality. France gave the world revolution, and we are taught to always question superiors, ideas, etc. Yet we cannot change.'

So what don't they like about London? 'The food,' snaps Ms Benyamin, smiling.

'The restaurants are great, sure, a real vibrant mix, more so than Paris. But everyday ingredients? If you want fresh food, you must have a day trip to find some,' she says.

The French may be in love with London, but would they live elsewhere in Britain? Non.

'London is a world city, full of different people. Young French love this. It's why they are here,' says Ms Laouadi.



Cosmopolitan British capital a breath of fresh air for young French people