“In the face of a significant economic and financial crisis, France is among the countries that have resisted better than others. And if we cannot say better, I would then say… less badly.”
“We should expect a packed and active final stretch of the legislature.”
These are the remarks the Nice deputy wanted to express at the beginning of 2012, when all political leaders, “noblesse oblige,” play the role of meteorologists.
Economic Situation: “France has the capacity to recover, we must know how to put the situation into perspective and show confidence, and stop self-flagellation, which does not help move things forward. Of course, there is an employment crisis which affects purchasing power. Only a stronger Europe can create conditions for recovery, and I speak of a political Europe because we are not just a large market. Tell me who, more than Nicolas Sarkozy, has worked towards this goal.”
Political Context: “We must not make the wrong analysis and must remember that the left will not escape its ideological demons. So there’s a warning. The New Centre is a party rooted in the right, even if we have had and must continue to have an autonomous position within this political coalition. We should confront allied parties, expressing differences with the ability to overcome them to find a synthesis.”
Presidential Election: “I have a lot of esteem and respect for François Bayrou but I do not share his vision: look, the Modem is not a real party but a movement serving a single person and his ambition.
I assert that only Nicolas Sarkozy is capable of defeating the Left, so I hope there is a rally behind his candidacy. Of course, I will be loyal and disciplined if Hervé Morin, who is the president of the New Centre, confirms his intention to run and I will vote for him in the first round. However, I note his willingness to step down if the conditions to maintain his candidacy do not exist.”
Politics in Nice: “I am a full member of Christian Estrosi’s team within which I have many responsibilities both at the municipal level and in the framework of the new Metropolis. I admire and support his vision of things and his ability to be a man of action, both of which are not easy qualities to combine.
The work that has been done and is being done to improve the city and its quality of life is remarkable. Nice is the most beautiful business card in the world, its environment, wealth, and heritage must be valued. The major works (Gare du Sud, Grand stadium, Pasteur Hospital and the annex Centre Pompidou, Gare Thiers, OIN) will contribute to the growth of our city.”
Legislatives: “Of course, I will be a candidate for my succession in the 3rd constituency. I believe I still have the voters’ trust even though I know many criticize politics and those who represent it. I would have a double proposition to make: one is to eliminate the triangular elections that, between abstention and splitting the vote three ways, result in an elected official chosen by a minority, elected more by default than by conviction.
The other: requiring people to vote with recognition of blank and null ballots. Yes, I know, maybe we’d see the birth of a new and great party, that of abstentionists, but this would force citizens to exercise their electoral duty.”
