The union celebrated between the two leaders, Borloo and Bayrou, with the merger of their two political formations into a single movement called the Alternative is the novelty (although announced for a long time) of the political news.
The signing of a charter has sealed the pact: Positioning in the opposition, common lists for the elections, a democratic process for choosing the presidential candidate for 2017.
The paradox is that, while one might have expected a strong reaction from the socialists, it is rather from the UMP that the critiques have been most intense. And it is understandable: With the rise of the FN and the arrival of this new contender at the center, the risk for the UMP, and its sometimes zigzagging political line, is to be the laughingstock. Indeed, although the municipal elections might not see major effects, the single-round European elections will be a difficult test to pass without consequence. And what if the UMP comes out, in terms of result, as the third party of the center-right-far right?
Some polls show the UDI as the most appreciated party by the French, suggesting that the arrival of François Bayrou, more due to his image than his limited followers, could pave the way for a moderate vote without a major stake (Brussels and Strasbourg are always little regarded in the collective imagination of the French, who remain sovereignist, for whom “their” canton is often more important than Europe!).
Finally, 2017 is not so far away, and the prospect of a Bayrou or a Borloo opposing the UMP candidate in the first round against the Marine hurricane is not a meteoropolitical forecast that necessarily announces good weather!
And in Nice and its region? No consequence is to be expected!
The UDI of Rudy Salles, its departmental president, is strongly anchored in the local right, showing unwavering loyalty and fidelity to a dominant UMP; its men are part of, with different roles and influence depending on the situations, the headquarters of local authorities and other town halls.
As for the MoDem, its territorial implantation is rather modest in electoral terms. Its leaders apparently do not want to restrict themselves to playing in this field, but what capacity and strength will they have to maintain their autonomy when orders from headquarters force them to lay down arms and return to the ranks? An alternative, yes, but to whom?
Nonetheless, frictions could exist here and there between centrist candidates and the “umpistes” while a few MoDem dissidents might present their own lists or even join the reformist left.
As we know, politics is a story of people, human nature always changing, what could be more natural than this type of surprises? Perhaps that’s why politics is fascinating!
See you at the polls, where the vote remains secret…
