In the pre-electoral whirlwind of the European elections, a rumour recently stirred the Les Républicains (LR) party: the presence of Patrick Dray (second cousin of Julien Dray), communications adviser to Gérard Larcher, President of the Senate, in an eligible position on the party's list. This information, initially reported by “Le Figaro”, caused a certain amount of stir within the party, raising questions and causing a few grumbles among members.
However, this rumour quickly proved to be unfounded. Eric Ciotti, president of the Republicans, categorically denied this speculation, highlighting the renewal and rejuvenation strategies currently guiding the composition of the party's list for the European elections.
Ciotti promises a list «a mix of experience and new faces", with François-Xavier Bellamy, Céline Imart, and other figures being considered for the subsequent winnable places». Patrick Dray's presence had been seen as a surprise and a controversial decision by some, described as an “arbitrary decree” that could have destabilised the balance carefully sought by the party.
The European election campaign is a key moment for The Republicans. The party is banking on FX Bellamy's image of competence to achieve a respectable score. Indeed, a result below 5% would probably spell the end. The first meeting in Aubervilliers will be an opportunity for the party to officially unveil its list and rally support around its candidates.
French 
English 
Chinese 
Arabic