Jean-François Knecht, Socialist Party city councilor for the Nice Plurielle group, has resigned from all his responsibilities within the Socialist Party of Alpes-Maritimes. He explained his reasons to Nice-Première: “I stand firm and remain independent in spirit. I don’t have a career plan.”
Nice-Première: Can you provide us with more details about your resignation from the federal bodies of the PS?
Jean-François Knecht: In a party, one cannot ignore the issues of cordiality and savoir-vivre. It is deeply challenging regarding the purpose of the commitment of a series of people. There is a lack of savoir-vivre, camaraderie, and ethics. I have been involved in politics for thirty years, aiming to change life or at least make it more pleasant on both a collective and individual level. I have never confused this with personal advancement nor have I been as obsessed as some with absolute power. I cannot accept that.
Nice-Première: In the thirty years you have been involved in politics, have you encountered such behavior before?
JFK: This is the first time. We have gone beyond the drift. It’s not the right time because we are in a political context in Nice and the department that is favorable to the left. I believe that an alternative is possible. We cannot sacrifice this opportunity for personal reasons.
Nice-Première: What are these deviations?
JFK: The drift dates back a few months. The issue is that everything revolves around the positions of X, Y, or Z. For me, and I will quote an American phrase, the rule to designate everyone’s role is: The Right Man in the Right Place. We need to take the best among us and place them in important positions. Today, many claim this, but reality is quite different. The number one criterion is allegiance. Competence is no longer recognized and is even considered dangerous. I was pushed out of the Association of Socialist and Republican Elected Officials because I epitomized the values of competence and work. Promotion of people is based on their ability to be sheep. They take the most mediocre. This will lead straight into a wall.
Nice-Première: Have you received any calls from Patrick Mottard or Patrick Allemand since your resignation?
JFK: No, none at all. However, I have received testimonials that support my actions.
Nice-Première: What consequences will your resignation have?
JFK: I persist and sign in my independent spirit. I don’t have a career plan. A man’s life is long. I still want to change things, and there are several ways to achieve that not just by rising within a party. I think I am in tune with the citizens. The discredit of politics and politicians is explained by the fact that politicians are primarily interested in promotion, power, social recognition, and benefits. The future? I hope it will be an awakening and a halt to the deviations, maneuvers, and pettiness.
