The leaders of the “yellow vests” protest in Nice have decided to take a big step: they have formed an association with the aim of creating a list of candidates for the upcoming European elections in May.
This association, Union Jaune, was presented yesterday morning. It is chaired by Patrick Cribouw, with Alain Noally as the vice-politician, and Frédéric Ibanez (along with Nicolas Fratini, who was absent) as the spokesperson.
The leaders—who are part of the anti-violence movement—wanted to explain their approach, which boils down to giving voice to the demands of the Saturday protest march participants in recent months.
They have given themselves two months to organize what will be a movement or party, while ensuring they have many contacts with other groups in the region and at the national level. According to them, about forty people would be candidates to join their list.
Patrick Cribouw, 64, who is expected to head the list, has claimed the “apolitical and non-union” nature of this initiative. For this reason, he mentioned having received “nudges” to join the list led by Ms. Ingrid Levavasseur, which he has dismissed as “too politicized.”
However, how to explain that a formation is “apolitical” and running for an election is a contradiction in terms that has remained unanswered.
This association-movement will rely on an online platform to open the debate on the proposed reforms, considering that the Grand National Debate organized by the Government does not address the demands of the protesters.
The primary concerns are purchasing power, pensions, social and tax justice, immigration blockade, and sovereignty, which interest the “people from below, who have revolted” and do not find a place in the government’s prepared scheme for the GDN.
Why this candidacy for the European elections: “because it’s the first election on the calendar,” responded Patrick Cribouw, with the eloquence of the “salesman” he is professionally.
“We want to change the Europe of bureaucrats,” added Frédéric Ibanez.
Any thoughts on the municipal elections? “Everything in its own time,” he said, visibly pleased to have found a new commitment on the eve of retirement, and there’s talk of his proximity to the mayor of Nice.
To conclude, before the next steps of this formation, which appears to be driven more by goodwill than clear ideas (at least to outsiders), Patrick Cribouw made a populist statement that will resonate: if elected, he will keep only the minimum wage from his allowances and donate the difference to the Restos du Coeur.
To make himself liked by his future (potential) colleagues, he couldn’t have said it better! That’s how some careers end before they even begin!
