Aged 27, Emeric Lavitola has been a member of the Socialist Party since 1998, part of the federal bodies since November 2000, of the Federal Bureau, and Federal Secretary for universities since the last Congrès du Mans in March 2005. He is also one of the leaders of Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s current (member of the National Bureau, former Senator) in the department.
The break is clear, and so are the words mirroring a painful resignation denouncing “a phenomenon of clan and an overly significant personal ambition.”
The target of these criticisms, the First Secretary of the Federation, Patrick Allemand, is one of the two contenders for municipal nomination in Nice. Vice President of the PACA region and General Councilor of the Alpes-Maritimes, he will face another Patrick, Mottard by name, who led, in 2001, the united left of Nice (Nice Plurielle) to achieve the best municipal score in a city of Nice, historically a right-wing stronghold. As the holidays approach, the political truce is not in effect, and the temperature seems to have risen a notch in the local socialist saga.
“Challenging the practices and methods of the Socialist Party to which I have belonged for 10 years now. Considering that it hampers the sound democratic functioning of the debate of ideas necessary following the last presidential election results. I publicly present my resignation from my position as Federal Secretary for universities.” By opting to publicly present his resignation, Emeric Lavitola is undoubtedly aware of the shockwave that will shake the local federation but, as he says, “This might perhaps help launch the necessary debate on how our party and our leaders choose to conduct politics.”
Nice Premium: Emeric Lavitola, explain to us the reasons for your resignation from the federal bodies of the Socialist Party 06?
Emeric Lavitola: To be precise, I am resigning from my position as Federal Secretary for universities. This role was assigned to me during the last socialist congress.
I am resigning mainly because of the way our federation operates.
I particularly believe that through its First Federal Secretary, Patrick Allemand, it is incapable of analyzing clearly our failure in the presidential elections.
This is detrimental for the future. The toughest times await the left. Opposing, defending, and proposing will be the challenge of the upcoming period. This must be done on a solid foundation. Analyzing a defeat, acknowledging it as such, and drawing a conclusion from it is one of the bases of our reflection.
NP: Why did you announce your departure publicly?
EL: Doing politics is about taking a stand. I believe it’s also necessary to be true to one’s principles and be able to tell the truth.
Since I got involved, I’ve tried to stick to this method. I indeed believe that’s the path to be taken for there to be a real unification of the left in the country and locally.
And then, I think that a political decision deserves to be submitted to public debate. Everyone can take a position, but I also wish to challenge the left-wing camp with this gesture because the construction of a real opposition both nationally and locally involves everyone.
NP: In a letter sent to your First Secretary, Patrick Allemand, you strongly criticize his management. Why did you complement your departure with this letter?
EL: Precision was necessary. I don’t want my words to be distorted.
I am not a candidate for anything. Just a young activist with responsibilities who wants to be genuinely useful to the left. I wish for my political organization to be democratic and not focused on “particular” interests. I regret the race for memberships to ensure individual power.
NP: How do you assess the local socialist federation today?
EL: It seems centered on Nice. Other towns do not seem to exist. This is not due to the section secretaries, who do their best throughout the year in a predominantly right-wing region.
This responsibility primarily falls on the federal direction and the first secretary in particular. The party’s activity is mainly centered on Nice and internal maneuvers to ensure personal control. I find it paradoxical to hear that it’s the same people functioning this way while cloaking themselves as reformers.
The reform will also consist of encouraging new people to get involved, be useful, and stay in the party.
This also involves respecting the principle of not accumulating mandates as our candidate advocated.
The party is a great tool that should be led collectively and involve as many activists as possible.
NP: Aren’t you afraid that your gesture will be labeled as pro-Mottard just before the primaries?
EL: In this period, those who criticize one are inevitably in the other’s camp.
But if your question is to say, “Do you think Patrick Mottard is the best candidate for Nice? I would say yes.”
He has been able to make the entire left work with participation involving everyone in their diversity. He has been able, with his colleagues, to defend the interests of the people of Nice and exercise public control over many issues. Vigilance and proposals have been continuous throughout the mandate. I think that’s what the people of Nice asked of him in 2001.
I am surprised, moreover, by Patrick Allemand’s candidacy. It is based on no alternative and seems only guided by an unfortunate personal ambition, especially as he already holds several varied mandates.
Moreover, he has never formulated any criticism in our bodies regarding local opposition management and no particular proposal was recommended.
It could cost us while the left can win.
NP: Will you, yourself, be on a list in the upcoming municipal elections in Nice?
EL: That will depend mainly on the project carried by the list. My commitment will be primarily focused on the ideas that will be defended. The city needs a team with clear ideas capable of implementing what it has proposed.
NP: What is your position on the unification of left-wing parties in Nice for the upcoming municipal elections?
EL: I believe it is necessary. Without union, there is no victory. The latest national elections have clearly revealed this. The left has a real presence in Nice. It is capable of working collectively both within the framework of municipal opposition and on other issues. Just look at all the collectives that bring together the entire left.
There is a willingness to be together; we just need to find the right path and the right way to function collectively.
NP: Finally, if you hadn’t opted for the PS, you would have chosen…?
EL: A left-wing party that doesn’t exist and that would unite the entire left or… The Socialist Party…
