Nice-Premium: Can you define clerocracy in a few sentences?
Landry Benoit: It is a system of government where leaders, after being selected through popular vote, are randomly assigned to fulfill a defined mission controlled by the people, for a given and non-renewable period.
NP: What is the purpose of this system?
LB: First, I want to say that it’s never too late to think about the system that will replace democracy. Whether we like it or not, every political system is born, lives, and dies. And let’s be clear: we are not really in a democracy. Just because we are “free” does not mean we live in this system. Many people make this mistake. The term democracy implies that the people are sovereign. However, today, I do not believe people feel truly represented or even that they hold their destiny in their own hands. Moreover, universal suffrage is a real hypocrisy. We do not dispute it, it’s a wonderful invention and a beautiful right. But we think it only makes sense if the goals are accessible to the majority. This is not the case with democracy.
NP: Could you tell us about the “Cercle 06” association?
LB: It’s a space for reflection on the state of our democracy and the organization of the clerocratic system. Beginning at the end of February, an initial meeting will take place at the Val de Mougins hotel to exchange ideas and confront the opinions of the people of the Azur region. The “Circle” is open to all, with no age or social category restrictions. Anyone who wishes to contribute their thoughts is welcome.
NP: And what is the schedule for 2008?
LB: François Amanrich, political theorist writer and creator of clerocracy, will come by the end of May to meet the Azurians. Thereafter, means will gradually be implemented to raise public awareness about clerocracy. We have a website (www.cercle06.unblog.fr) and are thinking about creating a blog. A research office on various democratic systems around the world might open at the beginning of the next school year.
NP: Do you have any other goals for the French Clerocratic Movement?
LB: Yes. I want to ensure we are present at the next presidential elections. François Amanrich will run for the third time, and this time, we hope it will be the right one! Last year, he already gathered 200 endorsements. We are optimistic. Regarding the European elections, we will probably participate in 2009. This participation will undoubtedly give us a chance to become better known. For my part, I am running as an independent candidate in the cantonal elections in my home department of Drôme. And I fully intend to promote some clerocratic ideas!
More info: www.clerocratie.com
(association in the process of being established)
