2024-11-18 14:00:00
In recent weeks the deputies of the “common nucleus” are learning to work together, in particular around the joint breakfasts organized by the head of government. On Wednesday 13 November, the Les Républicains (LR), MoDem, Orizzonti and Rinascimento deputies from the economic commission gathered around some pastries. Over coffee and croissants, some Macronists question the prime minister: they are still having a hard time digesting Laurent Wauquiez’s exit at 8pm on TF1, two days earlier.
Triumphant, the Haute-Loire MP, leader of the Republican Right (DR) group, announced – as the Economy Minister he had refused to be – the revaluation of pensions in line with inflation starting from 1 January 2025. contender for the Elysée in 2027 and the other components of the “base” have since gone from cold to freezing, forcing government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon to take a stand. “It is a collective step forward in the service of protecting low-income retirees, not the symbol of a partisan victory,” says, November 17th Sunday at the Tribuneworrying “that ambitions come to upset our action”.
Not enough to calm the anger of the Renaissance elect. “There is an attacked and an aggressor”, dares an advisor of Gabriel Attal, describing a president of the Ensemble pour la République (EPR) group “reach” to his DR counterpart, who answers him loudly “stab the contract”, as during the distribution of seats in the National Assembly in October.
“An attitude of opposition”
In the eyes of the Macronists, Wauquiez remains responsible for the defeat of one of them, Stéphane Travert, as president of the economic commission, against the “rebel” Aurélie Trouvé, for having encouraged his troops to abstain. He is also accused of having repeatedly criticized the old majority with which he should now form a bloc. Right-wing defector, Franck Riester warns his former partner. “Wauquiez accepted the entry of LR into the government forced and forced by his own troops and public opinion, but he remains in a position of opposition towards us and returns to it as soon as he has the opportunity. This can’t last.” warns the Renaissance deputy of Seine-et-Marne.
But, behind Laurent Wauquiez, the complaints also affect the prime minister, accused of favoring the elected representative from Haute Loire and the right to the detriment of the other components of the “common base”. “Michel Barnier’s trope of wanting to put LR and Laurent Wauquiez back in the saddle is becoming embarrassing, quote the Orizzonti deputy of Seine-et-Marne, Frédéric Valletoux. The objective is not to restore the image of a party that obtained 5% in the presidential elections, but to give France a turning point. »
What are the potential impacts of Laurent Wauquiez’s pension announcement on the 2027 presidential election?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Political Analyst
Time.news Editor: Welcome, and thank you for joining us today! We have with us a leading political analyst to discuss some recent developments in French politics, particularly surrounding Laurent Wauquiez and the fragile coalition supporting Emmanuel Macron. Let’s dive right in.
Political Analyst: Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to discuss the intricacies of our political landscape.
Editor: Recently, Wauquiez made quite a splash with his announcement about the revaluation of pensions starting January 2025. What do you think this move indicates about his ambitions, especially considering he’s a contender for the presidency in 2027?
Analyst: Wauquiez’s announcement is both strategic and politically astute. By positioning himself as a champion for pensioners, he’s not only trying to appeal to a significant voter base but also asserting himself as a leader within the opposition. This could bolster his image ahead of the next presidential election. However, it also disrupts the existing coalition dynamics, which rely on cooperation among various parties, including his rivals.
Editor: You mentioned the coalition—how has this announcement affected the relationships between the ruling parties and his group, Les Républicains?
Analyst: It’s created quite a stir. The ruling party members, particularly the Macronists, are visibly unsettled. Wauquiez’s bold statement shows that he is not afraid to capitalize on the vulnerabilities within the coalition. Following the announcement, government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon referred to it as a “collective step forward,” signaling the need for unity. But this could be seen as a thinly-veiled attempt to downplay the rift that’s clearly growing between them.
Editor: The political atmosphere seems charged. What are the implications of this situation for other parties, such as MoDem and Orizzonti?
Analyst: The implications are significant. They are caught in the middle of Wauquiez’s assertiveness and the government’s struggle to maintain cohesion. If Wauquiez continues to gain ground with popular policy announcements, it may encourage more fracturing within the coalition. Smaller parties like MoDem and Orizzonti will have to decide whether to align more closely with Wauquiez or try to rally around the government to mitigate the risks posed by his rising popularity.
Editor: There’s clearly a lot at stake. How do you see this playing out in the coming months? Could we witness a potential shift in voter sentiment?
Analyst: Absolutely. As we approach the elections, voter perceptions will be critical. If Wauquiez’s initiatives resonate with the public, especially regarding pension issues that affect many retirees, he could significantly shift the political landscape. On the other hand, if the coalition can effectively counter with their policies and show unity, they might maintain their standing. It’s a delicate balance.
Editor: It sounds like we’re in for a tumultuous period in French politics. Any final thoughts or predictions as we look towards the future?
Analyst: I foresee increasing tension in the coalition as individual ambitions clash with collective goals. The next few months will be pivotal not only for the coalition’s stability but also for Wauquiez’s positioning as a viable challenger in 2027. It’s going to be a fascinating political battle to watch.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights with us today. We’ll certainly keep an eye on how these developments unfold in the coming months!
Analyst: My pleasure! It’s always enjoyable to analyze the dynamic shifts in our political framework. Thank you for having me!