2024-11-10 07:16:00
This is the risk when you write an autobiography at 29: if you don’t mention school fights and two mandates crossed like a shadow, you soon find your pen empty. While reading What I’m looking for(Fayard, 324 pages) Jordan Bardella’s book published on Saturday 9 November, we understand the mountains of precautions taken by the National Rally (RN) to keep its contents secret: its fans will not learn much about something they don’t already know. They know, and those who try to understand Giordano Bardella’s political thought will have lost 22.90 euros. “I can already hear my detractors. They will judge this book to be mediocre, poor and uninteresting.the president of the RN writes almost as if to play down possible criticisms to be attributed to the alleged activism of the press, one of the underlying themes of the work.
Barely political, even less literary, this marketing object is launched as Christmas approaches by the conservative billionaire Vincent Bolloré, who has got his hands on everything that makes it possible to sell a book: a powerful publishing house, a media group and the Relay distribution. net. “Neither an essay nor a program”Giordano Bardella warns from the beginning, the book is destined “the reflection of [son] existence”. But the 324 pages are devoid of any introspection, revelation or new anecdote about the short life of a man already scrutinized by the press and the subject of an in-depth biography (The Great Substituteby Pierre-Stéphane Fort, Studiofact Editions, 240 pages, 20 euros), published in May.
The first third, rewritten during the summer, tells the sequence of the European elections (9 June) and the early legislative elections (30 June and 7 July). The young man has just raised the curtain on these weeks in which he was preparing to become prime minister – we have just learned that he intended to install his ally Eric Ciotti in the Ministry of the Armed Forces. Who, being young, managed to escape military service.
Zemmorist rhetoric
His Italian roots and his childhood in the city of Saint-Denis (Seine-Saint-Denis) ultimately occupy only a small part of the work. The MEP does not question the contradictions between the conditions for successful integration of his Italian parents and grandparents – residence permit, housing offered by the State, naturalization – and the program he defends at the helm of the RN. He focuses on the difficulties of daily life in his city – which however is not a cutthroat –, but also recognizes the structures he benefited from in order to escape from this environment: education in a private Catholic environment, a protective family environment.
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Political Expert Dr. Camille Dupont
Time.news Editor: Good morning, Dr. Dupont! Thank you for joining us to discuss the recent autobiography by Jordan Bardella titled What I’m Looking For. Released just in time for the holiday season, it seems to be more of a marketing venture than a deep dive into his political ideology. What are your initial thoughts on this?
Dr. Camille Dupont: Good morning! I appreciate the opportunity to discuss this. You’re right to highlight the timing and the marketing aspect. Bardella’s book is interesting, not for its content but rather for what it represents—a calculated move in a strategic political landscape, distancing himself from deeper personal introspection.
Time.news Editor: Indeed, Bardella mentioned that the book is “neither an essay nor a program.” How do you interpret that statement?
Dr. Camille Dupont: It signals a conscious decision to avoid political commitments or philosophical explorations that often accompany autobiographies. Instead, Bardella appears more focused on crafting an image without offering substantial insight into his beliefs or experiences. This vagueness might cater to his audience, who might already align with his views and simply desire affirmation rather than enlightenment.
Time.news Editor: Given his age—only 29—and the lack of serious content, do you think writing an autobiography this early in life is a strategic error, or could it garner him sympathy among younger voters who might see it as relatable?
Dr. Camille Dupont: It could be a mixed bag. On one hand, younger voters might appreciate the relatability factor, seeing someone from their generation attempting to articulate his journey. On the other, the absence of substantial content risks alienating voters seeking depth. He’s treading a fine line—if the book lacks any real substance, it could just come off as a hollow exercise in branding rather than a genuine exploration of his motives and aspirations.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned branding—how do you think Bardella’s association with Vincent Bolloré and a major media group influences the perception of this book?
Dr. Camille Dupont: Bardella’s connections are significant. Vincent Bolloré is a powerful figure in the media and publishing world, and this relationship provides Bardella not just with a platform but also with the ability to control the narrative around his political persona. However, this relationship can be a double-edged sword; while it amplifies his message, it also subjects him to increased scrutiny about his authenticity and independence. The reader might question whether the book is truly his voice or a product crafted for mass appeal.
Time.news Editor: That’s a fascinating point. With the book being relatively devoid of anecdotes or personal reflections, do you think potential criticisms he anticipates could actually resonate with the public?
Dr. Camille Dupont: Absolutely. By preemptively addressing potential critiques, he seems to acknowledge the book’s shortcomings. Some might interpret this as a defensive tactic, which may inadvertently validate those very criticisms. If his aim is to solidify his influence, these perceived deficiencies could hinder rather than help, particularly among critics who expect authenticity in political figures.
Time.news Editor: So, in your opinion, could this book ultimately backfire for Bardella?
Dr. Camille Dupont: It’s a possibility. Bardella might see a short-term boost in visibility, but if voters conclude that he lacks depth and authenticity, it could undermine his long-term prospects in politics. Political narratives are not just about visibility; they’re also about trust and engagement with the electorate. If this book is seen as a mere marketing gimmick, it could erode that trust.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Dupont. Your insights are invaluable as we navigate the complexities of this political landscape. It’ll be interesting to see how Bardella’s narrative unfolds in the coming months.
Dr. Camille Dupont: Thank you for having me. I’m keen to see how this plays out too!