Has the left’s winning machine started up? The losing machine in 2002 corresponded to the scattering of left votes. In 2007, the left-wing parties aim to do everything possible to end the right’s dominance in French political life. That is why a joint text was drafted to formalize the commitments of the Socialist Party and the Radical Left Party for a Government platform with the official signing of the agreement on Wednesday evening. Jean-Michel Galy, departmental president of the Radical Left Party, gives the reasons for the rapprochement: “We made a simple observation: in 2007 the presidential and legislative elections are linked. The president will need a parliamentary majority. Exacerbating differences leads to confusion and union makes strength.”
Jean-Michel and François unite at the national level for the common interest of the left. Locally, the PRG-PS duo is formed by the youth of Elodie Jomat (30 years old) and the experience of Jean-François Knecht. The PRG sacrificed candidates already prepared in other constituencies. “We made an effort to commit to this path of union but the battle is common and the agreement is good,” explains Jean-Michel Galy. Jean-François Knecht, in the media spotlight, agreed to be the substitute to mark the union. “We asked the ideal person who represents political honesty,” Jean-Michel Galy explains to justify this choice.
Elodie Jomat has the heavy task of leading the campaign in the 3rd constituency where the incumbent deputy is Rudy Salle and to make the left win. This store manager does not consider herself a political professional: “I got involved in politics in 1998 but my real wake-up call was on April 21, 2002. We couldn’t not react.” Her program revolves around three themes: reform of institutions, change in political practices, and defense of the environment. Due to the union, she will prioritize the ideas of the Left based on the common text:
-Promote secularism in France and Europe
-Extend Personal Freedoms
-Favor equality of opportunities
-Promote real integration respecting everyone
-Ensure the security of all
-For a modern and sustainable development model
-Establish a new Republic
-Relaunch European Construction
-Democratize International Organizations and rebalance North-South Relations
(More details on the local PRG blog: https://prg06.canalblog.com)
“The important thing is to convince voters,” specifies Jean-Michel Galy, “of our ability to lead our program during a legislature.” As for Jean-François Knecht, this candidacy will allow him to take a breath. He, who decided to take a step back from the PS: “I felt we were going too far. In internal struggles, some have everything to lose. It’s important to know if their ego is more important than the destiny of a city.” Elodie and JFK have everything to gain…
