The holidays are coming to an end, the time for recreation is over, and the political world is returning with the 2017 presidential election in sight. It is, therefore, no surprise that positioning statements are emerging: candidates for the various primaries (left, right, and green) are starting to declare themselves, and then there are those who enter the final race directly without going through this step.
Then, there are the statements of support that allow local heavyweights to position themselves for the post-election period when it’s time to claim their dues in terms of ministerial positions or other public offices.
Some have taken an early approach to stay ahead of other competitors and demonstrate their loyalty before the proper time.
A tactical game that fools no one but still has its effect.
In the so-called Republican right camp, the president of the Departmental Council had not missed the opportunity to do so before the summer, during the traditional evening of the “Friends of Eric Ciotti.” He, who aspires to be the future Minister of the Interior, had declared that if Nicolas Sarkozy were to run for the LR primary, he would have his support.
Moreover, on this occasion, he received François Baroin, who is already considered to be the future Prime Minister of the upcoming government in case of a double victory (first primary, then presidential).
Christian Estrosi, president of the Paca region, president of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis, first deputy mayor of Nice, and president of the LR of Alpes-Maritimes, thus the “basileus” of the local right, had taken a broader view: “I want to wait and see who will adopt my ideas,” he declared – taking his time and not wanting to be counted among those running after the candidates.
But any flight cannot last too long without a risky landing: thus, in the calm and rest of well-deserved holidays after a trying year, ideas have become clearer, and he has made his choice: the lucky one will be… Nicolas Sarkozy (even though he is not yet an official candidate, but Christian Estrosi must have better information than we do on this matter).
The end of suspense is not really a surprise, and it is understandable, given the well-known ties between the former President of the Republic and his former Minister.
A bit more surprising is the motivation that paints Nicolas Sarkozy in a “social” portrait in which the person concerned might find it difficult to identify: “He is labeled very right-wing, but I know his sense of balance and social dimension,” he said to justify his choice in an interview with the JDD. Adding, “When the French suffer, the response cannot only be security-based; it must also be economic and social.”
The novelty is so significant that Christian Estrosi felt the need to reinforce it with another statement: he commits alongside Nicolas Sarkozy, “to be the guarantor” of the future candidate’s “social dimension.”
A conclusion that is no less surprising: “Faced with populism, this presidential election is the last chance. Nicolas Sarkozy is the best candidate,” he affirmed, referring to Marine Le Pen and forgetting the statements of his candidate in the same vein.
