Arnaud Montebourg was present at this meeting as the National Secretary for the renovation of the Socialist Party and spoke to present and explain the content and significance of the text voted by the party’s national council last June 8 (170 votes in favor and only 3 against) which focused on four main points: primaries for the presidential election candidacy, regulations concerning the cumulation of mandates by elected officials, provisions to make gender parity and candidate integration possible, and the creation of a “High Ethical Authority.”
“Socialists must be proactive and exemplary to renovate the Party and awaken democracy.” This is how Arnaud Montebourg outlines the path leading initially to the primaries.
Nice Premium: Are you already looking towards the 2012 presidential elections?
Arnaud Montebourg: In 2012, socialists want to offer much more, much better than a change from the right: we want to be an alternative for the French!
The current power has continuously damaged the republican pact and weakened checks and balances. The right wants to concentrate power, the left must share it.
NP: That’s why you’re talking about renovation…
AM: The renovation of the Socialist Party and that of the country are closely linked. That’s why we will propose a new model of economic, social, ecological, educational, and cultural development. In short, a new societal model.
NP: True renovation is what we put into practice. Can you detail the implementation of your proposals?
AM: The first renovation is implementing popular primaries to designate our candidate for the presidential election in the autumn of 2011. I know there has been much discussion about the primaries being open to everyone, not just Socialist Party members. I am aware of the risks and negative aspects, but I am also convinced that the pros outweigh the cons.
This will be an opportunity to mobilize the entire society and finally serve as a unifying message to the forces of the left. The participation of citizens and not just militants will be a great democratic moment.
NP: There is also the issue of non-cumulation of mandates…
AM: Renovation also involves taking a new step in restricting the cumulation of mandates. It’s a delicate topic that we have approached considering two aspects: exemplarity and reality.
We, as elected officials, must demonstrate exemplary behavior, but we will also be realistic by adopting transitional provisions in the general interest of territorial governance and the struggles we support.
NP: The third aspect…
AM: A strong Socialist Party is one that resembles the society it represents. We achieve this by including in our statutes full gender parity in all our bodies. We will create conditions to ensure diversity within our ranks, in the broadest sense, meaning access to responsibilities for militants from immigrant backgrounds.
NP: Finally, can you tell us about the “High Authority”?
AM: Renovation also means strengthening democracy within our socialist community. The High Authority will be responsible for ensuring compliance with ethical and legal rules. It will be independent of the PS leadership. It will deal with all contentious issues, including electoral disputes.
NP: To conclude, do you think your approach can be the lever for victory in the 2012 presidential elections…
AM: As Patrick Allemand previously said, the Socialist Party wants to win this election. I would say it must win it so that France can regain the means to fulfill its ambitions after a too long period of decline. But we also want it for a more democratic and united France, a more “just” France!
