After recent “pro-Palestine” protests in Nice, Christian Estrosi, a man of action, did not miss the opportunity to question the Prime Minister during the session reserved for questions yesterday afternoon at the Palais Bourbon.
He had even announced it on social media: @estrosi: I will ask the Prime Minister a question regarding the pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
And he did, thus holding the Government responsible for tolerating these protests which, fortunately in his city, well supervised by the police, did not go beyond a few slogans.
A small provocation directed at Manuel Valls? A subtle stance towards the Jewish community of the Nice region, which represents a significant and influential electorate? Or perhaps, a political positioning on the local level regarding his friend and rival, Eric Ciotti, who has embraced a security-first approach?
The fact remains that the tone and words used by the deputy-mayor of Nice seemed somewhat excessive concerning events that, although unacceptable in themselves, were very targeted and met with a strong response from the law enforcement and the government.
Therefore, calling “the Republic in danger” gives the impression that the words had a more speculative purpose, going beyond the concerned facts. This allowed Manuel Valls to recall “the requirement for unity and gathering” without political division in response “to these excesses”.
In fact, it would be wise not to confuse respect for religious practices, whether Muslim or Jewish, which is one thing, and the critical analysis of international policy concerning Israel and its government and the Gaza territory and the Palestinian national authority, which is another.
In such cases, the right example should come from those who, by their public office, represent the State whose Constitution mentions the secularism of institutions and the freedom of worship of every citizen.
