Word: motivation
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Dates: during 2000-2009
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...artists and unemployed are meeting to continue preparations for a revolution: breaking the decades-old lock that traditional parties and career politicians have had on political life in Toulouse. "The aim of this goes far beyond seeking power, or the upcoming election," says Salah Amokrane, 37, head of the Motivé-e-s list of "citizen candidates," an independent, largely improvised movement inspired by a rock band. "It's a reminder to other citizens that democracy is about active participation, not just surrendering a vote to the same old suspects every election...
...Motivé-e-s has attracted hundreds of volunteers and seems to be stirring voters as well. Polls show the leftist collective winning up to 17% in first-round voting-third behind the Socialist-led Union of the Left's 26%, and 39% for the conservatives who have controlled City Hall for 30 years. In addition to its fresh, civic allure, Motivé-e-s enjoys a sympathique association with the popular rock group Zebda-whose activist music urges social and political engagement. Motivé-e-s took its name from Zebda's 1998 hit remake of the Resistance Partisans...
...Motivé-e-s' mobilization has produced results in 10 other French cities-including Rennes, Strasbourg and Bordeaux-where citizens' groups inspired by Motivé-e-s are forming alternatives to traditional politics. Toulouse is the underdogs' biggest opportunity to make a splash. Some Toulousians resent outgoing Mayor Dominique Baudis' decision to "parachute" a high-profile outsider-former Culture Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy-as his chosen successor. Though the conservative list currently leads in opinion polls, some locals anticipate a link-up between the traditional leftist parties and Motivé-e-s allowing the new movement to participate...
...that is, Motivé-e-s will go along. Opinion is divided within the movement on whether a deal with the traditional left, which many militants consider compromised and corrupt, would betray Motivé-e-s' ideals. Others note that the group's goal was never to become king-or kingmaker-but simply to take a stand on issues like bolstering municipal services, improving conditions in Toulouse's immigrant neighborhoods and giving citizens more say in city affairs. "Before this, I never got involved in politics beyond casting a vote, because I just didn't think I could make...
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