Christian Estrosi is one of those politicians who relish the spotlight. On the occasion of the sad events linked to terrorism and the ensuing debate, he made quite a splash by proclaiming the existence of a “civilization war” and denouncing the presence of an active “fifth column” in France… suggesting a lack of firmness in the country’s domestic vigilance policy.
The political world’s reactions matched the bombshell he dropped, and it must be noted that even the right-leaning colleagues of the deputy mayor of Nice were quite hesitant in their support: the issue exists, and no one denies its complexity and gravity, but… to go as far as to speak of a “civilization war”… the stretch was too far-fetched, and the blatant aim of exploiting it politically was quite evident.
But Christian Estrosi is not one to back down, and as a shrewd politician, he misses no opportunity to leverage any event or circumstance to his advantage.
The televised interview of the President of the Republic was one such opportunity… and the guests at the municipal garden party following the official ceremony and military parade became the recipients of his speech.
As can be read on his Twitter account:
@estrosi: Terrorism: @fhollande confirms that the enemies are not external. The enemies are internal. Haven’t I already said so? Then he retweeted: It seems as if he legitimizes the expression “fifth column” dear to Estrosi.
What skill, you might say, to shield himself with the words of the President of the Republic, whom he criticizes in every interview.
However, François Hollande never said what Christian Estrosi attributed to him, quite the contrary!
Read carefully what the President of the Republic actually said: “We are facing groups that want to challenge all civilizations” and “deny the very idea of civilization”. And then, reiterating his well-known concern, he urges not to “be afraid”, addressing “all those who want to tense up, to retreat”.
One could not be clearer.
Thus, the statements of Christian Estrosi remain what they were from the start: mere elements of rhetoric aimed solely at effective communication, expressed in an exaggerated manner.
It is known that in politics, anything goes to seek consensus and enhance one’s popularity.
But are we sure that even if all means are permissible, not all roads lead to Rome?
