Nice Premium: François Bayrou, for the moment, has not given any voting instructions. What do you think of the UDF President’s intervention?
Patrick Allemand: It was consistent with the political line of his electoral campaign. So from my point of view, it was unsurprising. He cannot give clear voting instructions. But, one must read between the lines.
NP: A new party is emerging in France. What is your opinion on the new Democratic Party?
PA: I think it will be a new UDF but more centered, considering UDF is a center-right party.
The Democratic Party will be a true center. But the center is not a political orientation; it is a partner that will be capable in the future of not always falling on the same side, but of determining itself based on the political projects of both the left and the right.
It is a significant evolution for the French political system, but not a revolution.
NP: Analysts tend to place François Bayrou closer to Ségolène Royal. Do you agree with this analysis?
PA: Yes. I listened carefully to his intervention. He made a strong case against Nicolas Sarkozy, he accepted an offer of a political debate with Ségolène Royal, and regretted that Nicolas Sarkozy had nothing to say.
He also regretted some of Ségolène Royal’s economic choices but highlighted strong convergences on the societal project and the central role of education in the project, and on the evolution of the Republic and the institutions.
It is evident that his speech was closer to the presidential pact of Ségolène Royal.
NP: In his speech, Mr. Bayrou announces a debate with Ségolène Royal. Wouldn’t it be logical to have the same debate with Nicolas Sarkozy?
PA: It’s up to them. Apparently, they don’t have much to say to each other anymore. The latest revelations about Sarkozy’s offer to make an anti-Chirac pact say a lot about the man. If François Bayrou has chosen to reveal it, it’s to highlight the break.
NP: “I don’t know what I would do but I know what I wouldn’t do.” How would you interpret this statement from François Bayrou?
PA: As follows: “I am still hesitating between abstention and voting for Royal, but I already know that I will not vote for Sarkozy.” It’s primarily a message for his voters. Not a single vote for Sarkozy!
NP: Finally, in your opinion, who will be the winner of this second round and why?
PA: I have not changed either the name or the reason: Ségolène Royal because she has a better capacity to unite. And this is becoming more apparent day by day. We are witnessing an unprecedented event in a presidential election. None of the ten candidates eliminated in the first round called for a vote for Sarkozy on the evening of the first round! You cannot govern a country alone against everyone, with a single party. Either we change the regime.
