Presidential candidacies are multiplying. These days, they are as numerous as raindrops in Gravelotte on the national political scene. However, there will come a time when we must sort through them and make our choice, the real one, for the second round and for victory.
For my part, as a man of the left, the question of social justice will always be of utmost importance at the decisive moment of choice. But for the first time since I have been of voting age, it will not be my primary criterion. Nor even the second.
Indeed, in 2017, the state of our societies is such that I will determine my choice based on the themes of fighting against communitarianism and populism.
The fight against communitarianism because it challenges our republican pact and our way of life. Too many candidates are ambiguous in the face of this scourge, whether out of naivety or electoralism. I do not want a France where, like in Sevran, there are cafes where women are not admitted. Whatever their motivations—whether declared or like appeasers—the communitarians will not have my vote.
The rejection of populism because it, under the guise of expressing the “people’s” will, attacks representative democracy, which is certainly not perfect but remains the only democratically viable system. The only one capable of filtering social demands and establishing compromises.
The aftermath of the populists’ victory in England, the USA, and Italy can only convince us of their harmfulness. Whether it is a first step to establish an authoritarian regime in the name of the people or a scheme to topple the system in favor of the “workers,” populism certainly will not have my vote.
Upon reflection: social justice, no communitarianism, and rejection of populism… Perhaps the choice is not so difficult after all!
by Patrick Mottard
