This Sunday, the young members of the Les Républicains (LR) party parked their vehicle near the Théâtre de Verdure in Nice. Aged between 18 and 35, they will drive along the French coastline to reach Le Touquet on August 23. No sunscreen planned; it’s a time for resurgence.
Microphones and cameras are gathered in front of the Théâtre de Verdure entrance. Yet, the star of the day is behind them: the Caravan, blue and white, waiting for the grand departure.
Alas, the journalists only have eyes for the President of the Les Républicains party, Nicolas Sarkozy. Surrounded by local leaders (C. Estrosi, E. Ciotti, R. Salles…), he was there to promote the launch of the operation. “It is important for you to meet with the French people,” he tells the youth. And then, the curtain falls.
What’s next? Criticism of the Socialist government, the handling of the Greek crisis, the National Front, etc.
The Caravan will travel the roads of southern and western France. It’s important to reach as many people as possible during this beach-going season. The operation plans to visit 33 cities, from Nice to Le Touquet, through Marseille, Bayonne, or St-Malo. This is the first departure since the party’s revamping, and it holds considerable significance in more than one way.
First, the Caravan tour allows them to “bring hope” to the population, announces Christian Estrosi, Mayor of Nice. Most importantly, it marks “the true launch of the young Republicans’ federations,” according to Caroline Vega, head of the LR students in Var.
Enhancing the party’s image among the French
Sitting in the passenger seat of the vehicle, she highlights the importance of this project: “We need to create a Young Republicans movement, bring together all the young people of France, give them the chance to meet one another.” The sole slogan is that of national cohesion.
Marine Brenier confirms this. The departmental head of LR for Alpes-Maritimes has the task of leading the Caravan from Nice to Marseille. “Yes, 10 stages in total,” she smiles. She details the schedule for the days ahead: “We will be on the ground from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with local officials. We will speak to the French people and also sell them T-shirts.” With a slogan written in blue: the alternative is in motion.
Because it’s about promoting a new image of the party. “United,” according to M. Sarkozy.
Ms. Brenier does not deny the “marketing” nature of the Caravan but doesn’t reduce it to just that. “The party has changed its name, but also its mentality. We need to explain ourselves to the population,” she explains.
The residents of Antibes will be all ears tomorrow for the first stop.
