The president of the group “Another Future for Nice” in the Municipal Council issued a call to vote for Emmanuel Macron, of which we publish some excerpts:
On Sunday, April 23, the French made their decision and placed Emmanuel Macron at the top in the first round of the presidential election, with Marine Le Pen in second position.
The French sought an alternative to populism and isolationism. By placing Emmanuel Macron at the top, they have positioned themselves to make a bet on optimism and the choice of hope on May 7.
Now that the disappointments have been digested, it is time to focus on the essential.
The essential is to have a republican and European President who allows France to have more influence in Europe and the world.
The essential is to have a President who ensures the democratic functioning of our institutions by guaranteeing the freedom of contradictory debate. History demonstrates that, in this duel, only one candidate can guarantee this essential.
Despite the anger I hear, nothing should be done to favor the National Front because it is not a party like the others.
Of course, it is out of the question for even one of our votes to go to Le Pen. We do not equate a Republican with whom we might have disagreements, with the party of hate, xenophobia, racism, and anti-Semitism. With the party that does not disown its origins and whose candidate has just reopened the debate on France’s responsibility in the Vel d’Hiv roundup.
But abstaining or voting blank is dangerous and also favors the FN. Marine Le Pen’s score will be considered as a barometer of the erosion of the values that make France great. That is why blank votes and abstention are dangerous.
Finally, it is dangerous because, in a devastated political landscape undergoing reconstruction, the future nature of the opposition depends on Marine Le Pen’s score. If her score is very high due to blank votes or abstention, she will be strengthened and will be positioned as the main opponent of the new President, while the future government of Emmanuel Macron should primarily face republican opposition.
Patrick ALLEMAND
