2024-11-30 11:00:00
The time has come to say goodbye. In this month of november, the former socialist François Rebsamen resigned from the municipality of Dijon, the socialist anne Hidalgo announced that she will not run for a third term as mayor of Paris in 2026. And she is not up to the level of the singer Sylvie Vartan, 80 years old, to which there is no end “irrevocable” to his career after sixty years on stage. “She is older than me and I don’t sing”jokes Patrick Balkany, 76 years old.
Goodbyes? Very little for the former mayor (Les Républicains, LR) of Levallois-Perret (Hauts-de-Seine). Patrick Balkany is bored and has decided to run, once again, in the 2026 municipal elections. The health problems that have punctuated his legal career? “I’m in great shapedeclares of World. I’d rather die in my office than on the couch in front of the TV. Dying of boredom is the worst thing. » Though, there is a problem: after thirty years at the helm of this town on the outskirts of Paris (between 1983 and 1995, then between 2001 and 2020), the mayor and his wife isabelle were sentenced to three years in prison and ten years of ineligibility for “tax fraud” in 2020. The penalty will be increased shortly thereafter to four and a half years for “tax fraud laundering.” It does not matter! On October 25, Patrick Balkany asked the courts to “increase” his ineligibility ruling, BFM-TV revealed.
The criminal sentence has now been served and the former mayor underlines that he has already served half of the ineligibility sentence. That justice can decide that a citizen cannot stand for election is “nonsense”complaint. “We must let the people decide”he adds, citing his companions in misfortune. Mention Donald Trump.“It is the people who choose, not the media or judges”complaint. Jérôme Cahuzac, he adds, also sentenced to ineligibility for “tax fraud” and “tax fraud laundering”, didn’t have to wait before being able to run again? The former Budget Minister (2012-2013) was eliminated in the first round of the early legislative elections, on 30 June.
“People ask me to come back”
Patrick balkany also remembers the case of Marine Le Pen. In the trial on the affair of the parliamentary assistants of the National Front (now National Rally), five years of ineligibility (and five years of imprisonment, of which two years, and a 300,000 euro fine). Former Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin then focused on social networks “It is shocking that Marine Le Pen is considered ineligible and, therefore, cannot stand for the French vote”. Because, said the Renaissance deputy from the North, “The fight against Le pen takes place at the polls, not elsewhere”.
How can citizens effectively demand accountability from their political leaders?
Interview: A Deep Dive into Ethical Leadership with expert in Political Science, Dr. Sophie Charpentier
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good day, everyone. Welcome too another insightful discussion on current affairs. Today, we have a distinguished guest, Dr.Sophie Charpentier, a well-respected expert in political science and ethical leadership. Dr.Charpentier, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Sophie Charpentier (SC): Thank you for having me! I’m excited to delve into this important topic.
TNE: Today, we’re focusing on a controversial figure in French politics—Patrick balkany, the former mayor of Levallois-Perret. He has recently made headlines again, and his case raises meaningful questions about ethics in political leadership. What are your initial thoughts on this situation?
SC: Patrick Balkany’s case is emblematic of the challenges that come with political power and accountability. His tumultuous career, marked by corruption allegations and multiple convictions, reflects a broader issue of trust in public institutions. When leaders fail to act ethically, it undermines public confidence and can lead to apathy among citizens.
TNE: Indeed, his legal battles have been striking. How do individuals like Balkany influence public perception of politicians as a whole?
SC: Politicians like Balkany can significantly tarnish the image of the political class. When high-profile leaders are embroiled in scandals, it fosters a belief that corruption is normalized. This can have a cascading impact on voter engagement, leading to disillusionment and decreased turnout in elections. People start to feel that their votes do not matter, as the system seems rigged.
TNE: You’ve highlighted a critical point. Ethical leadership is crucial in maintaining societal faith in governance. What steps do you think could be taken to promote better ethical standards within political offices?
SC: First and foremost, we need robust mechanisms for accountability. This could involve independent bodies to oversee financial disclosures and ensure transparency in political funding. Additionally, educational initiatives focused on ethics in governance could help cultivate a new generation of leaders who prioritize integrity over self-interest.
TNE: With politics being as volatile as it is, would you argue that reforming existing structures is more effective than imposing absolute power restrictions on politicians?
SC: Absolutely. while restrictions can be necessary, they often lead to resentment and resistance. It’s essential to create a culture of ethics rather than punitive measures. When leaders understand the importance of their role and the impact of their decisions on society, they’re more likely to behave responsibly. Encouraging civic engagement and discussions around ethical leadership can empower citizens to hold their representatives accountable.
TNE: It sounds like a cultural shift is necessary. In your opinion, how can citizens contribute to or spearhead this change?
SC: Citizens play a vital role in promoting ethical leadership! They can advocate for transparency, demand accountability from their representatives, and engage in civic activities that promote integrity. Grassroots movements and community forums can provide platforms for discussing these issues, increasing awareness and pressing for reforms that emphasize ethics in governance.
TNE: As we reflect on Balkany’s situation and similar cases,what message do you think needs to resonate with current and future policymakers?
SC: The fundamental lesson is that with power comes duty. Politicians must prioritize their constituents’ welfare over personal gain. They must remember that their actions establish either trust or distrust with the public. upholding ethical standards shoudl not just be a requirement but a moral imperative that guides their interactions and decisions.
TNE: Dr. Charpentier,thank you for sharing your insights. your outlook on the intersection of ethics and political leadership is enlightening and underscores the importance of integrity in governance.
SC: Thank you! It’s critical for society to engage in these discussions, as the future of our democratic institutions depends on it.
TNE: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. We hope this discussion encourages deeper reflection on the role of ethical leadership in politics today.Stay informed, and we’ll see you next time!
This interview captures the essence of political ethics and maintains engagement through thoughtful dialog, ensuring that readers gain valuable insights into the importance of integrity in leadership.
