Eric Besson, author of “Who Knows Madame Royal,” was on the French Riviera only to promote his movement “The Progressives.” Legally, it is a political party. In reality, it is a bit less or a bit more than that. Centering their debate around four themes: technical and social progress, needs and resources, citizenship and belonging, rights and duties, the Progressives aim to be a think tank on upcoming reforms. “It’s a place where ideas will be exchanged to support the reform movement. There are people from the left, center-left, center-right, and right,” explains Eric Besson. One of the cross-cutting goals is to “reconcile the French with reforms. Flexibility and adaptability need to be introduced.” The debate does not concern the current reforms. Eric Besson believes they were validated by the vote of the French during the presidential and legislative elections last spring. The work started today will be useful tomorrow.
To the question: why now and not before? Was any debate of ideas, any movement of reflection impossible under the Chirac era? Eric Besson then dons his governmental hat: “The government debates contrary to what may be said. The discussions led by François Fillon are very open.” The Secretary of State justifies his agreement with Matignon: “I am bound by government solidarity.” The Progressives, however, are less bound and will have to and can provide nuances and reservations. They assert themselves in the presidential majority. The preamble to their foundational text leaves no doubt: “Today, we align with the presidential majority. Because Nicolas Sarkozy embodied movement and reform during the presidential campaign and since his election, leaving immobility or denial of reality to the left. We have therefore chosen the movement and fully embrace it.” Furthermore, Nicolas Sarkozy, President of the Republic, by visiting them on November 8 to celebrate his six months of presidency, gave them his full trust and support.
The Progressives inaugurated the first regional branch of their movement in Nice on Monday. Eric Besson thus inducted Marc Benveniste. He becomes the Azure reference for the Progressives. Present in the past on Patrick Mottard’s list but also deputy chief of staff for former mayor Jean Paul Baréry, he will lead the Progressives in the Alpes Maritimes. He will try to increase their ranks and invites all those who love to debate to join this new movement. “We aim to enrich the debate and, as Nicolas Sarkozy says: may everyone remain true to themselves.”
Learn more: [https://www.les-progressistes.fr/](https://www.les-progressistes.fr/)
