The “Trocadéro” right exploded after two years of disastrous party management and an unexpected electoral defeat in the European elections.
Its political line, focused on identity and nationalism, was not accepted by voters. Moving from the red parka to the yellow vest didn’t bring good fortune!
Laurent Wauquiez resigned with the (bitter) motivation as follows: “Victories are collective, defeats are solitary. I must take responsibility: (…) I am going to take a step back. I am stepping down from my position as president of Les Républicains,” declared Mr. Wauquiez.
Before concluding: “The right must rebuild itself” and “I do not want to be an obstacle, at any price.”
In fact, the “traitors” had already sprung into action. Gérard Larcher has called a meeting of the party’s bigwigs for tomorrow to “take initiatives.”
Others were beginning to distance themselves… (see above), the “kindnesses” are just beginning!
In short, the atmosphere was becoming… toxic. At this point and in these conditions, it is better to return to the provinces!
According to the party’s statutes, it is Jean Leonetti, deputy president, who assumes the role of interim president: “With much sincerity and dignity, Laurent Wauquiez leaves his position as president of LR after the collective failure. I express all my friendship to him after this difficult decision made to preserve our movement’s unity.”
Eric Ciotti, one of Laurent Wauquiez’s right-hand men
The defeat is heavy and severe for the Republicans. It is collective. It calls for unity and gathering, it is a responsibility duty: what is at stake is the survival of the republican right. (May 27)
I commend the dignified, courageous, and unfortunately logical reaction of Laurent Wauquiez who calls for unity and gathering. I express my pride in working with him and my friendship. Everyone must participate in the reconstruction of the Republicans without ulterior motives. (June 2)
Christian Estrosi
Now, we must create the conditions for an open and tolerant right and a political gathering line founded on Gaullism and republican values that I have always defended at the RPR and then at the UMP. A line that finally turns its back on this period of catastrophic sectarianism for the right and center. We are ready to contribute to advancing the right of the territories with my fellow mayors of Audacious France.
Rudy Salles
When a political party suffers such a rout, the President and the main leaders must leave and let others imagine the future. […]
Of course, the blame is shared with those who pushed and reinforced him on this dead-end path. Those people, more discreet than ever in recent days, should also face the consequences of their dangerous choices, their extremist postures, and their all-or-nothing populism.
