France Campaign Trail Paved With Condoms

Young UMP supporters Isabelle Vuillaume, left, and Jonathan Gainche distribute leaflets on a beach in Arcachon, southwestern France, Sunday, Aug. 20, 2006. With presidential elections coming up in the spring, French politicians are testing new waters in a country that usually emphasizes rhetoric, speeches and pamphlets, over image-building buzz. Members of the conservative Union for a Popular Movement (UMP) have been touring beaches and vacation spots across France with truckloads of party merchandise to shore up support for party leader and interior minister Nicolas Sarkozy. (AP Photo/Bob Edme) (Bob Edme - AP)

PARIS -- Vacationers visiting France's beaches are getting some unusual promotional goodies _ such as condoms stamped with the logo of the ruling conservative political party.

With presidential elections coming up in the spring, French politicians are testing new waters in a country that usually emphasizes rhetoric _ speeches and pamphlets _ over image-building buzz.

Members of the conservative Union for a Popular Movement have been touring beaches and vacation spots across France with truckloads of party merchandise to shore up support for Nicolas Sarkozy, interior minister and party leader.

Before the tour ends on Sept. 1, the party, known by its French initials UMP, will have visited some 40 beaches and tourist destinations along France's picturesque coastline.

Among the most popular items are condoms emblazoned with the party's logo and flip-flops that leave a U-M-P footprint behind when worn over wet sand, the party said.

Franck Louvrier, the UMP's head of communications, said the initiative aims to create interest in politics among groups that do not traditionally associate with the party, including students and syndicated workers.

"The idea is to address a population that is not used to being in touch with politics," he said. "We are talking to youths, and they are more receptive during the holidays."

Making politics attractive to voters _ even if it takes handing out gifts _ is the key to overcoming the unpopularity of France's mainstream parties in the wake of nationwide student protests this spring over a proposed labor law, Louvrier said.

"We are looking to open an interactive dialogue," he said. "And sometimes, it is through a fashion accessory that we can start discussions about politics."

Sarkozy has made no secret of his wish to become the next president of France, though the party will not officially select its candidate until January. The exact dates for the two-round election have not yet been set.

Among the Socialists, who will pick a contender in a party primary in November, the most popular candidate is Segolene Royal, a lawmaker, former government minister and mother of four.

The Socialist Party, the main leftist party in France, sells its goodies at an online store. For a sweet-smelling candle, the caption reads: "Keep the flame of socialism burning at home and at the office."