The reshuffle or the ostensible contempt for the French people

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For two weeks this bad soap opera has been going on. Two Councils of Ministers cancelled. Could it be to set a new course and respond to the major political crisis our country is going through? Not at all!

Dissolving the National Assembly to take into account the will of the French people, who clearly indicated to the President of the Republic in June 2022 that they did not wish to give him a majority? Respecting the spirit of the Constitution would have demanded it, so inseparable is the Fifth Republic from the «fait majoritaire» (system of a ruling majority). When one does not have a majority, there is no other option than dissolution. Or, failing that, a government pact with the opposition. Hardly in keeping with the spirit of the Institutions, more the preserve of parliamentary systems, but having at least the merit of respecting the democratic choice of the French people.

This reshuffle changes nothing about the political game. The appointment of Gabriel Attal is a result of internal bargaining within the majority, the extremely marked support given to him by the First Lady, and, ultimately, of Emmanuel Macron's choice, 2024 version, to appoint the 2017 version of Emmanuel Macron. Same talent, same excellence in communication. Same lack of experience, same lack of knowledge of France and the French people, same lack of political roots.

Macronism’s heavyweights are keeping their positions. Unknowns whose names we only learn upon being put under formal investigation, their blunder or their departure, are replaced by other unknowns. A few individual poachings, on the model of Nicolas Sarkozy in 2007. Is it worth recalling that not a single one of those concerned will have called to vote for him in 2012? It is so easy to flatter those whose ego has never competed with «ideas».

No change of political direction, little renewal, it is an understatement to say that the mountain brought forth a mouse and that a single day would have been more than enough for this virtually insignificant reshuffle.

For ten days, France has been paralysed. Its absence on the international stage is even more pronounced than usual, energy prices are soaring, and bad weather is hitting hard. And the only question is: can so-and-so stay in their job without upsetting so-and-so? It's pathetic! There will come a time, alas not far off, when the contempt for the French people and the failure to respect the spirit of the institutions will lead to an irreversible political crisis.