It was an evening full of flair! Firstly, the participation of a large audience (the Palais de la Méditerranée hall was packed as it is on grand occasions) in the stronghold of the Ciotti/Estrosi duo competing against each other in this internal competition, just to demonstrate that the voting battle in the Alpes-Maritimes was far from settled.
Then, an explosive Jean-François Copé, who managed to excite the audience by delivering a sharp speech with the verve of an actor.
But also some messages that should not be overlooked…
If on November 18th, the registered members elect him to the Presidency of the UMP°, one can bet that the opposition will have found a leader ready for battle!
Accompanied by his local running mates (including, at the forefront, Michéle Tabarot, deputy mayor of Le Cannet, promised the position of secretary-general, Lionel Lucca, and Olivier Bettati, and in the presence of Marc-Philippe Daubrasse, deputy and president of the Nord Federation), Jean-François Copé elaborated on his vision and program during a lengthy speech at the 66th meeting of his campaign (he plans around a hundred meetings before November 18th).
Nothing we didn’t already know but some clarifications all the same: The fight against the socialist “power” will be waged on all fronts and with full force, with confirmation of the call to resistance… And even in the streets when pressing the accelerator is necessary.
And an uncompromising stance with the UDI, which must be a subordinate ally, respectful of the balance of power, without being granted the prerogative over the centrist electorate (“there’s no question of repeating the RPR/UDF experience – said Jean-François Copé firmly).
As for relations with the FN in the marinist style, there too was the confirmation of a firm position: no to electoral alliances but much attention and… winks at the far-right voters and their demands: after all, isn’t a good lawyer (and Jean-François Copé certainly hasn’t forgotten his legal training) the one who knows how to advocate for any case?
Jean-François Copé finally addressed the issue of community relations by highlighting a subtle difference between communityism and communities themselves. In short, beyond semantics, there was a confirmation of a firm policy towards immigrants and Muslims.
To conclude by denouncing the inappropriate and sometimes biased use of polls (“These polls mean nothing because it’s not the sympathizers who vote but the activists, beyond the indications of local notable figures. I understand the attempt to force the hand by making it seem like the game is already decided but, as far as I am concerned, I feel a rising momentum that makes me confident.”), the candidate did not fail to criticize François Fillon, his adversary in this internal competition: “I don’t like unclear expressions. For me, it’s subject, verb, and complement. I am not a man of compromise but I want to propose an assumed political line and highlight the pride of the republican right.”
