We mentioned it in one of our previous articles, referring to some hints from the interested party, but we just got it wrong… about the election, thinking of the one that will, next fall, designate the president of the UMP.
In fact, Christian Estrosi, in an interview given to the daily Le Monde, announced his candidacy for the primary that will choose the UMP candidate, or of the right (united?), for the 2017 presidential election (Le Monde @lemondefr Christian Estrosi announces his candidacy for the right-wing primary for the 2017 presidential election).
Nothing less than that!
But, but, but… There is a part of this interview that requires reflection:
The one who has always been a faithful and loyal supporter of Nicolas Sarkozy today says he is ready to step aside for the former head of state if the latter runs for the presidency of the UMP and vies for the Elysée. By running himself as a candidate for the 2017 primary, Christian Estrosi thus calls on the former president’s other rivals to “reveal their intentions.”
These remarks offer a double reading: the first, the simplest, is that of being himself a candidate against those who have already declared, François Fillon, Xavier Bertrand, and others who could potentially be, being almost certain that Nicolas Sarkozy will forgo participating in a competition that promises to be fierce, he who thought of returning as the savior of the homeland.
The other is that he plays the role of a scout on behalf of the former president to accelerate the pace of the race for candidacies, somewhat like those breakaways in cycling races that force the favorites to reveal their tactics. In fact, it is one of the favorite sports of the Deputy Mayor of Nice.
Moreover, Christian Estrosi’s analysis is uncompromising and even somewhat curious for a political leader who has held and holds national roles and has assumed ministerial responsibilities: [excerpt] “First of all, a political line must be set. Personally, I advocate for a firm Gaullist line on sovereign subjects and advocating social justice for all… The UMP must become a popular party again, when it is today a bourgeois and elitist party. I also think it would be a good idea to change the party’s name. The congress must finally allow us to choose a leader and a direction that rely on all its local elected officials who made the success of the municipal elections.”
The Mayor of Nice rules out running for the party presidency (which has already recorded Bruno Le Maire’s candidacy), but here is the bombshell announcement: [excerpt] However, I have decided to run for the primary to give life to a Gaullist project. I want to defend the legacy of General de Gaulle, which remains a treasure around which today’s and tomorrow’s France must be built. … I am for the reindustrialization of our country; a reaffirmation of France’s greatness; an evolution of Europe that brings nations to the fore; a security contract between the State and the French to end the prevailing laxity, free up work, and promote a protective State.”
As for Nicolas Sarkozy, the Mayor of Nice states clearly: [excerpt] “Yes, it is important that he makes known his intentions in the coming weeks. We are not going to spend three years wondering what he will do. We need to finally move forward.”
Concluding by stating a deadline: [excerpt] “I am in favor of the primary being organized as soon as possible. Early 2016 seems like a good time to me.”
Here are Christian Estrosi’s remarks that prompt, in the heat of the moment, a few comments and the first inherent questions:
1 – The Mayor of Nice has just been elected by promising loyalty to local mandates (including that of the NCA Metropolis) when in 2017, he will have to choose between those and that of a deputy. Would the potential role of President of the Republic not fall under this commitment? In any case, participating in a primary requires a full-time commitment. How does Christian Estrosi envision managing the city and the metropolis, knowing his total involvement in managing the decision-making process?
2 – It is also known that Eric Ciotti is very close to François Fillon, a declared candidate for the primary. Does this positioning make him, today, a “rival” in effect of Christian Estrosi? What will be the real impacts on the local UMP?
3 – Finally, should we recall that it would be most respectful to stop regularly naming General De Gaulle in these political jousts. The man who knew how to say “NO” for the honor of France will remain in history for the greatness of his action. He doesn’t really need heirs who claim his legacy.
