Controversial Decision to “Refound the RPR” Sparks Criticism from Left and Right
Franck Allisio, RN deputy for the Bouches-du-Rhône department, and Eric Le Dissès, the diverse-right mayor of Marignane, have caused a stir with their announcement to “refound the RPR” (Rally for the Republic). This decision has been strongly criticized by elected officials from both the left and the right.
In a joint press release, Allisio and Le Dissès stated their intention to resurrect the former Gaullist party RPR as a movement of elected officials and citizens. They expressed their desire to rebuild France, move away from macronism, and counter the far-left Nupes.
Allisio, who is also an ex-LR member, assured that he remains a committed member of the RN (National Rally) and that Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella, the president of the RN, are aware of their approach and support it.
The two politicians believe that their initiative should be implemented nationwide in every territory.
However, Eric Ciotti, president of Les Républicains (LR) party, a descendant of the RPR, expressed his indignation on Twitter. He reiterated his refusal to entertain the idea of a union of the right at the party level. Ciotti accused the RN of trying to appropriate the RPR brand and criticized their focus on political calculations rather than working on ideas.
The local left also denounced this alliance and called for the removal of the heads of local executives. Jérémy Bacchi, the PCF departmental secretary, stated that this ideological convergence signifies a breakdown of barriers. He called for the removal of Eric Le Dissès from his responsibilities, as he had supported Emmanuel Macron in the presidential election.
The Printemps Marseillais, a coalition of left-wing parties and environmentalists, who won the town hall of Marseille in June 2020, also criticized this move. They denounced it as a worrying, opportunistic, and dangerous turn of the local right.
Renaud Muselier, the president of the Paca region and a member of the Renaissance party, was asked to take responsibility by both Bacchi and the Printemps Marseillais. Muselier, who has an assistant from Le Dissès at the town hall of Marignane, stated that Le Dissès had immediately distanced himself from this alliance initiative. Muselier took to Twitter to denounce the association as unworthy and a sham of political alliances against nature.
As of Saturday afternoon, Martine Vassal, LR president of the department and the metropolis, who had supported Macron in the presidential election, had not yet reacted to the controversy.
How does the refounding of the RPR aim to offer a new alternative to traditional political parties?
Committed to the values of the right and that the refounding of the RPR aims to offer a new alternative to traditional political parties. Le Dissès, on the other hand, emphasized the importance of grassroots democracy and the need for citizens’ participation in decision-making processes.
However, this decision has sparked criticism from both the left and the right. Elected officials from the left argue that the refounding of the RPR is a regressive move that will only perpetuate outdated ideologies. They believe that France needs new innovative solutions, not a return to the past.
On the other hand, some elected officials from the right are also critical of the decision. They argue that refounding the RPR will only further divide the right-wing electorate and weaken their chances of winning elections. They stress the importance of unity within the right in order to effectively challenge the current government.
Additionally, critics from both sides question the motives behind the refounding of the RPR. Some see it as an opportunistic move by Allisio and Le Dissès to gain more political influence and visibility. They believe that this decision is driven by personal interests rather than a genuine commitment to serve the people.
Overall, the controversial decision to refound the RPR has provoked strong reactions from elected officials on both the left and the right. While Allisio and Le Dissès argue that the party aims to offer a new alternative, critics question the motives behind their decision and stress the need for unity and innovation in French politics. Only time will tell how this announcement will impact the political landscape.
It’s refreshing to see a RN Deputy and Diverse-Right Mayor unite to revive RPR. However, navigating criticism from both the left and right will be a formidable challenge. Let’s hope their collaboration brings innovative solutions and bridges the political divide.