The former Prime Minister, replaced on July 3 of last year by Jean Castex, reunites with Gilles Boyer at JC Lattรจs, with whom he has already written two books, to offer his impressions from his time leading the government. On a book signing tour, he was at the Jean Jaures bookstore yesterday afternoon, before having a relaxed dinner with Christian Estrosi.
Thus, under a title evoking the impressionist paintings of Muma du Havre, the former Prime Minister proposes to reflect on his mandate. Following a plea for reading, the politician provides a testimony that leaves the reader with two strong impressions: Edouard Philippe presents himself as a loyal lieutenant and portrays himself as a man who has learned a lot in three years at the helm of the government…
Therefore, behind the scenes, we learn little: the surprise of being chosen, some personal notes on managing fatigue, interviews with former prime ministers, and a significant meeting with Philippe de Villiers regarding Notre-Dame des Landes.
In this book, Edouard Philippe strives to present himself as a man of principles and loyalty (the famous “clear lines”). He, who left the right to join En Marche, continues to speak of Alain Juppรฉ as the ultimate authority. Emmanuel Macron is always mentioned with immense respect and admiration. The man who transitioned from Areva to the anger of the yellow vests over the ecological fuel tax or changed his view on nuclear energy between being the mayor of Le Havre and Matignon frames his change of perspective within a continuity of clear lines. Honor and loyalty, but also benevolence, in a book where the 50-year-old who reached the pinnacle of power often presents himself as a diligent student learning from other male and female politicians…
The impressions leave little room for ambiguity or strong feelings, but one senses in these lines a genuine concern to serve, as well as a connection to the Enlightenment: reliance on reason, strategic reflection, secularism open to differences, and also a more contemporary commitment: a true affirmation for greater gender equality. No scoop, and the main character presents himself, as expected, only in profile, but we relive, through the book and in a very calm manner, the major moments of the first part of Macron’s five-year term.
