It is 8 p.m. at the Borriglione Brasserie when Fabien Bénard, the instigator of this Democratic Café, begins to speak. He briefly outlines the rules of the game: “Everyone can take turns speaking, but without interrupting! We are here to confront our points of view with civility.” Other Modem activists are present, as well as centrist sympathizers and a few people unaffiliated with the movement. Valérie, a supporter, is the first to speak. By way of introduction, she sets a few markers for the twenty or so participants. The theme of the day: decreasing purchasing power and recession.
The atmosphere is studious yet relaxed: some take notes and order drinks, “which I encourage you to pay for, for the sake of my purchasing power!” notes Fabien. In fact, the evening is not dependent on the party. A simple agreement was made with the manager of the brasserie, delighted to fill up on a weeknight. Valérie’s crash course in economics quickly ends to make way for the debate. People stand or remain seated, expressing themselves out loud. No stress, no microphones, and sometimes even applause.
From Analysis to Testimony
The discussion, although unprepared, remains surprisingly structured. Each approaches the topic according to their personal situation and views. Several layers appear in the debate. Some discuss geopolitics, historical context, and analyze what resembles a “new 1929 crisis“, as an “international hardening process“. Others simply share their testimony on the declining purchasing power. Whether a stay-at-home mother, a secretary, or a father of a large family, each shares their problems and solutions to “cope on a daily basis“. “Soap nuts for laundry”, “building one’s own home in the hinterland”, “cooking meals for several days”… There’s even talk of “degrowth“, a rather radical trend for centrists. The tone is willingly polemical: “Who can believe in organic?” “When you earn the minimum wage, you don’t have a choice to consume better…” “This crisis is nothing new, there has been too much hypocrisy for too long!” There are interjections, a hubbub arises, quickly brushed away by the common desire to create a coherent exchange.
“Encouraging citizens to think for themselves“
After more than two hours, the discussions cease. Fabien Bénard takes the floor again, having only used it in his capacity as a moderator or to provide personal examples. The name of the Modem was not mentioned once, and the politicians present, like Robert Brugerolles (Democratic Coherence list), played along, only talking about their personal opinions. Upon leaving the brasserie, groups form, and the debate continues. Admittedly, this assembly is “not truly representative of France” acknowledges Fabien Bénard. The Democratic Café also did not provide any “miracle solutions“. But the people who leave it are left questioning. New ideas emerge, and everyone is eager to present them publicly again. After a democratic café, one remains hungry, with the feeling that everything remains to be said, to be done… That is indeed the goal sought!
Contact and information: www.fabien-benard.eu
