The 23,000 members of the UDI will meet this Sunday in Versailles for their congress. They will have to decide whether or not to participate in the Republican primaries. Invited this morning by France Info, UDI president Jean-Christophe Lagarde confirmed his opposition to this participation. “I have no doubt that UDI activists will not want to participate in the primaries,” he anticipated.
The centrist criticizes Republican leader Nicolas Sarkozy and the candidates in the primaries, Alain Juppé and François Fillon in particular, for refusing to discuss an agreement for the legislative elections. “It was not possible to discuss with the Republicans how we could build this majority,” Jean-Christophe Lagarde explained. “When we don’t prepare a majority, it’s a disaster like today, and France is not governed”, further justified the deputy mayor of Drancy (Seine-Saint-Denis).
The UDI, according to him, would have liked to be able to discuss an agreement with “the independence of the two parties, or even the refusal of an alliance with the FN”, but, he added, “the competition within the republicans did not allowed this debate. At the microphone of France Info, Jean-Christophe Lagarde refused to say how many constituencies he is asking for in the 2017 legislative elections, vowing that “building a majority is not just a question of seats, it is also a question of management ”.
It poses the threat of a centrist presidential candidacy. When asked whether such a candidacy would not lead to the elimination of the right and favor a second round of the PS-FN, the UDI leader reacted: “we cannot choose between cancellation and dissolution”.
“We will see at the end of the Republican primaries if a discussion is possible, otherwise we will assume it,” insisted Jean-Christophe Lagarde.
the primaries which will take place on November 20th and 27th. Deputies express their opinion by electronic vote, the result of which should be known on Sunday afternoon.
one voter in 4 intends to participate in the right-wing primaries. According to this poll, the mayor of Bordeaux is at the top of the ranking ahead of Nicolas Sarkozy (not yet officially declared) who he would beat in the second round (66% against 34%).
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Discover our site on the battle of the Republicans
How does the UDI’s stance on independence influence its approach to potential collaborations with other parties?
Interview: The Future of the UDI and Political Alliances in France
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Jean-Christophe Lagarde, the president of the UDI, just ahead of the critical congress taking place this Sunday in Versailles. Thank you for joining us, Mr. Lagarde.
Jean-Christophe Lagarde: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Time.news Editor: Let’s jump right in. You’ve indicated strong opposition to UDI’s participation in the upcoming Republican primaries. What led to this decision?
Jean-Christophe Lagarde: Well, our members are very clear about their preferences, and I firmly believe that they will not want to participate in these primaries. The lack of discussion regarding a potential agreement for legislative elections with the Republican party is quite concerning. Without a collaborative approach, it’s tough to build a constructive majority.
Time.news Editor: You’ve voiced criticism towards Republican leaders like Nicolas Sarkozy and candidates such as Alain Juppé and François Fillon for not engaging in this dialogue. What specific outcomes would you have liked to see from these discussions?
Jean-Christophe Lagarde: We wanted to talk about how we could form a stable majority, especially to prevent the political instability we currently see in France. When there is no preparation for a governing majority, it leads to chaos. I see the implications for our political climate, and it is crucial that we start addressing these issues now.
Time.news Editor: You’ve mentioned that the UDI would prefer to maintain some independence in a potential alliance. Could you elaborate on why this is so important to your party?
Jean-Christophe Lagarde: Absolutely. The independence of our party is essential for us to uphold our values, especially our firm stance against any alliances with parties like the National Front (FN). We believe in a centrist approach that respects diversity without compromising our principles. However, the internal competition within the Republican party has inhibited our ability to debate potential collaborations effectively.
Time.news Editor: While you’ve been reticent about specific seat allocations for the parliamentary elections, you mentioned that building a majority is more than just about securing votes. Can you expand on that?
Jean-Christophe Lagarde: Certainly. Building a majority involves creating a shared vision and a governance framework that resonates with the electorate. It’s about more than numbers; it’s about trust, policy alignment, and a commitment to working together for the common good. We need a framework that tackles the pressing issues facing our citizens, and that requires cooperation, not mere calculations on seat distributions.
Time.news Editor: As the congress approaches, what message do you hope to convey to UDI members?
Jean-Christophe Lagarde: I hope to inspire a sense of unity and purpose among our members. We need to engage in meaningful discussions about our future, our values, and how we want to shape the political landscape in France. Our aim should always be to uphold our principles while striving for effective governance that benefits all citizens.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights, Mr. Lagarde. It’s clear this congress will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the UDI and French politics at large.
Jean-Christophe Lagarde: Thank you for the opportunity. I am looking forward to the discussions and the decisions that will emerge from our meeting.
Time.news Editor: We’ll be sure to follow the outcomes and their implications. Thank you again for your time.
Jean-Christophe Lagarde: Thank you!