Seeking Solutions: What Does France Want From Its Prime Minister?
Green, yellow, blue, red: these are the colors that dominate the stand at the Tournay market, on the Place d’Astarac. At least those within the glass square tucked beneath the ridged hall market roof. For brigher colors of political hope, one might need to speculate. “I don’t believe in politics anymore,” laments a customer, in his sixties, “No idea of the ideal Prime Minister,” he adds. A familiar sentiment that echoes throughout the market square.
A Truism for a Troubled Time
Just a short drive away lies Bagnères-de-Bigorre. The young Emmanuel Macron, now the President, once spent his holidays there with his grandmother. He carefully cultivated his “close to the people” Pyrenean image back in 2017. But that feels like an eternity ago to those engaging with the complexities of present day France. Seven years on, they look to vacationing politicians with a subtle cynicism.
In front of the fruit and vegetable stall of Alexandre and Déborah, retiree Denise and Gérard dissect the issues with the couple of traders. “Someone who does what he says, who is consensual, capable of getting people to work together,” they agree. Who would begin by prioritizing this? “Reduce the deficit without touching on social issues and carry out an audit on the lifestyle of the State, the president, the ministers, because they spend and we pay,” insists Denise, with cliché Girard, self-identifying as “a little to the left”.
Seeking Pragmatism in the Face of Disillusionment
Just a few shelves away, Jérôme and Elodie, owners of a real estate agency, promote outreach not through playful banter but because “The market allows you to ‘put yourself within reach of customers'”, emphasizes Elodie. Their choice for Prime Minister? “Man or woman, does not matter; we need someone courageous,” she adds, “A technician,” chimes in Jérôme. “Ideology doesn’t work for long,” adds Elodie. And their first decision once in power? “Help construction and lower the costs of energy renovation, to facilitate access to aid and purchasing,” they are quick to agree.
Further on, the baker chooses to remain silent. Baking organic bread in her wood-fired oven, isn’t that political? Her eyes twinkle mischievously behind flour dust as she takes in her customers. Beret tilted at a jaunty angle, Ludovic, 35 years old, engages in conversation with Jean-Claude and Gilbert, aged 69 and 83. The former makes a point of selling directly at the market, because “it’s hard today,” and even so, alongside his sale of diverse products built by his hands.
The market air is thick with unspoken concerns, yet punctuated by small gestures of defiance and resourcefulness. The subject of Matignon pops up. “The blonde, she does everything to get the job, but not her!” declares Patrick. “You have to try,” replies guttural voice of Gilbert with the seasoned air of someone who has seen it all. “I don’t trust anyone,” contends Ludovic pressing for more practicalities. Here, as elsewhere, the majority seem to prefer “a technician” to lead them. Top of their agenda? Purchasing power. “Increase agricultural retirement”, remains central:
Then… “relaunch work,” “fight against those who do nothing,” they cry out. But who are these takers, these ‘lowly’ citizens or the tax haven elite? A silence hangs heavy, exercising its own act of communicative dissonance.
“In fact, for us farmers, the real question is water, and we hear no one talking about it,” points out Ludovic a few minutes later.
His concerns resonate as Daniel, 78 and neatly collected thoughts as a former teacher, joins them. “ Man or woman,” he offers, “we need someone who embodies ‘another possible world,’ someone who can put at the heart of the debate ‘What social project do we want?’ We must stop personalization and buzz politics. Make salaries the priority, with automatic indexation on prices, as in Belgium,” he pleads, in obvious frustration with the status quo. Belgium, after all, that country managed without a majority government for 653 days from 2018 to 2020…
What are the main qualities French people are looking for in their new Prime Minister?
## Seeking Solutions: What Does France Want From Its Prime Minister?
**Interviewer:** Today, we’re exploring what the French people want from their new Prime Minister. Joining me is political analyst, Dr. Anne Dubois. Welcome, Dr. Dubois.
**Dr. Dubois:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** The recent article from [France24] [1] highlighted Gabriel Attal’s appointment, outlining his surprisingly young age. However, it doesn’t delve into what the people themselves expect from their new leader. While researching public sentiment, we stumbled upon a fascinating piece from [the article you provided]. Can you tell me about the feelings you picked up from the people interviewed at the market?
**Dr. Dubois:** What struck me most was a sense of disillusionment, even cynicism, towards politics. The honeymoon phase with Macron’s “close to the people” image seems over. People are demanding pragmatism.
**Interviewer:** That’s interesting. The article mentions Denise and Gérard, who want a Prime Minister who fulfills their promises and fosters unity. What did you make of their statement?
**Dr. Dubois:** It reflects a yearning for competence and stability. They’re tired of empty words and looking for concrete action. The desire to “reduce the deficit without touching on social issues” speaks volumes about the economic anxieties people are facing.
**Interviewer:** And what about Jérôme and Elodie, the real estate agents?
**Dr. Dubois:** They were clear: they want leadership based on action, not ideology. Their call for a “technician” as Prime Minister highlights this desire for practical solutions, someone who can get things done effectively. They prioritize addressing economic issues like energy renovation costs, which directly impacts their industry.
**Interviewer:** So, Dr. Dubois, what are the key takeaways here?
**Dr. Dubois:** The French people seem tired of political spectacle and grand promises. They want a Prime Minister who’s dedicated to practical solutions, economic stability, and acts with integrity. The age or political leaning of the candidate seems less important than their ability to deliver tangible results.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Dr. Dubois.
**Dr. Dubois:** My pleasure.
