At 69, a member of the Socialist Party since 1972, the former Minister of National Education will not be one of the competitors for the Socialist nomination, even if some had interpreted signs as a firm desire “to go for it.”
“The candidate chosen by the socialists during the vote on November 16 or 23 will be the candidate for everyone.” A statement from the former Enarque that nonetheless denounces pressures on and within the Socialist Party, likely referring to the polls that unanimously place Ségolène Royal well ahead. “I am myself concerned about the idea that some seem to have of the presidential election, the distance they take from the demands of the left, and the way they intend to capture the votes of socialist militants.” It is clear Lionel Jospin has already made his choice for the candidate in the upcoming primaries, adding that he will be very attentive to the candidate selection process.
Nice Première went to meet with elected officials and socialist supporters in Nice to gather their reactions to this somewhat surprising announcement. We spoke with Frédérique Grégoire, a lawyer and city councilor in Nice, and Olivier Tafanelli, a Doctor of Law.
Nice Première: Lionel Jospin is not a presidential candidate. How did this news resonate with you?
Frédérique Grégoire: Obviously, for a “Ségoliste” like me, this is very good news. His withdrawal does not surprise me at all. His possible candidacy did not generate great enthusiasm within the Socialist Party, despite the staging in La Rochelle.
As a former Prime Minister, he could not afford to be disavowed by the party that brought him to power. Personally, I consider it a good thing for him, but also for the Socialist Party.
Olivier Tafanelli: His decision on April 21, 2002, to withdraw from political life could only hold symbolic value if it were definitive, which it was not. Furthermore, JOSPIN himself always said he would return if “the need was felt” (for the party), as a last resort.
However, the popularity and renewal embodied by Ségolène Royal meant that the PS did not need the JOSPIN candidate.
I am therefore personally satisfied with his withdrawal, especially since things are now clearer. The remaining candidates represent a sort of streamlining of the situation within the party, which in a way legitimizes them:
Laurent Fabius represents the left of the party (and the “no” camp)
DSK represents the “center” of the party, and the Jospinien continuity.
Ségolène Royal represents what is often perceived, rightly or wrongly, as the “right” of the party (let’s say the Scandinavian-realistic option of the PS).
That is why I think that with these three candidates, the internal debate takes on its full meaning.
NP: One less candidate. In your opinion, who are the possible candidates?
OT: Therefore, in my opinion, the remaining candidates are Ségolène Royal, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, and Laurent Fabius.
NP: Who is the candidate you will support and why?
FG: For me, as you know, I believe the only valid candidacy to win is that of Ségolène. I just hope the campaign remains dignified and that the rules imposed on all the candidates are not constantly flouted or criticized by those who do not feel able to win.
OT: I support Ségolène Royal, for an innumerable amount of reasons.
Madame ROYAL, in my eyes, has the immense merit of placing EDUCATION and the ENVIRONMENT at the forefront of her concerns.
She proposes a new and appealing way of doing politics.
She embodies the continuity of François MITTERRAND while fully engaging with today’s issues.
She has no baggage and therefore gains the trust of the French people, from both the left and the right.
