France has criticized Finance Minister Le Maire’s new novel

by time news

2023-05-05 04:10:36

Bruno the Mayor

The French Economy and Finance Minister has already published 13 books.

(Photo: Reuters)

Paris France’s finance and economy minister, Bruno Le Maire, has published his second novel – the country is wondering if he shouldn’t spend more time on political work instead.

The book “Fugue américaine” (German: “American Fuge” or “Flight”) is Le Maire’s fifth work since taking office in 2017, he has written 13 books in total. In France there is criticism from all sides that he spends so much time on his literary work instead of taking care of the national debt or the pension reform crisis. In addition, some passages in the book about the legendary pianist Vladimir Horowitz, who left the Soviet Union and emigrated to the USA via stations in Germany and France, are very erotic. This brings Le Maire additional negative comments.

In fact, President Emmanuel Macron and the French government currently have enough to do to ensure a better image of themselves in the crisis surrounding the pension reform. The ministers and Macron traveled through the country with topics from the fields of agriculture, schools and the environment.

This is where Le Maire’s new novel comes in very inconveniently – especially since it was published at the same time that the rating agency Fitch downgraded France’s credit rating from “AA” to “AA-”. Le Maire, meanwhile, opens up about his “fascination” with the pianist and his love for classical music.

Opposition politicians scoff at the writing politician. Representatives of the left-wing opposition describe him as contemptuous. Liberation daily reported that Le Maire has written 1,312 pages since taking office, more than French writer Michel Houellebecq.

Le Maire defends herself

How does he find time for this? The minister defended himself and his book: ten years of work went into it, he wrote on vacation and at the weekend or he got up at five in the morning. For him, writing is a balance to the job as a minister, like others gardened or did sports – his hobby.

The French media express understanding for this, but not for his writing style. Ten lines from the 480-page book, an erotic quote, are much discussed. It says, among other things, “I’m stretched like never before,” as a woman says to one of the protagonists. It’s downright pornographic, many make fun of it on social networks.

The author Le Maire studied literature and attended France’s elite schools. However, it is not the first time that he has added erotic passages to one of his works, which was also the case in the 2004 book “Le ministre” (English: “The Minister”). Le Maire is getting some hesitant support from the government. When asked about the novel, Labor Minister Olivier Dussopt said, embarrassed, that he thinks it’s good that there are feelings behind ministerial suits.

In France, it has long been said that Le Maire has ambitions for the highest office in the state. He may not have gained respect for a presidential candidacy.

More: Unions hope for negotiations on pension reform

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