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The communist representatives at the Nice City Hall, Robert Injey and Emmanuelle Gaziello, presented a document outlining the approach and ambitions of their political group for the 2014 municipal elections. One thing is certain: the communists and the Left Front will present an independent list and will remain in the second round if the results allow it.
The path is therefore steep but faith knows no barriers, and the Nice communists launch “an appeal to all women and men who support a true left-wing policy” within the framework of the Citizens’ Assemblies (existing or to be established) to “debate, decide and act.”
The objective? The document states it clearly: “– To contribute in 2013 and 2014, all over the territory, to the broadest coalition against the proponents of austerity and to jointly reclaim the power that finance has taken, from local to global. And to make daily efficiency for the greatest number a priority.”
To do what? “Build a Popular Front to live together and with dignity.”
The expected outcomes for the 2014 municipal elections? “As communists, left-wing activists, we do not resign to this situation. Renouncing is not our choice, and we want to break free from the straitjacket of austerity for the majority, the control of a minority over the common good, and the logic of the Estrosi system that combines social regression with a security discourse.”
These strong points of the document express “noble principles” that, above all, demand to be dusted off from rhetoric devoid of meaning.
However, seated in their role as primary opponents of the parliamentary majority’s policy, bolstered by the apparent media popularity of Left Front leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon, they are comfortable in their role as allies with those who, instead of engaging in battles within institutional venues, opt for street demonstrations.
It is true that the crisis, with its consequences in terms of debt, growth, and unemployment, seeks its hero, and with his easy rhetoric and repartee, Mr. Mélenchon is perfect in his role as promoter of “citizen insurrection” and bolsters the morale of the activists.
But what can be expected from someone who sees in “the vile social-democracy” and “the infamous European Commission” the enemies of the people he claims to be the guru of, other than his active participation in the media circus that confuses political analysis with ego battles and ratings? How can this modern Icarus be prevented from flying towards the sun?
In reality, success lies not in slogans proclaimed with the indisputable mastery of an actor but in the ability and possibility to disseminate them and gain acceptance by the electorate.
There is a great risk that these fine speeches and wishes will remain dead letter, statements without follow-up.
Returning to the 2014 municipal elections, should one recall Mr. Estrosi’s application of the principles “omnia omnibus ubique,” his political machine’s firepower, organization, networks, accompanied by a will to power, and, ultimately, his experience and efficiency?
Certainly, one should not give up and abandon the fight: after all, “if the present is dark, the future will be bright” said the revolutionary thinker Mao, but one must not forget that democracy is exercised through the free choice of voters and placing the ballot in the ballot box.
So, didn’t his successor Deng have even more reason when he, more prosaically, stated that “it doesn’t matter whether a cat is white or black, as long as it catches mice.”
Politics requires trying to win elections to implement its values and ideas expressed in a program, otherwise, it is called… an anecdote!
But that’s another matter altogether.
