It is an unusual duo between the former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal and the former Minister of the Interior, Gérald Darmanin, which is more a matter of common opportunity than a true political friendship. For several weeks the two men have joined forces to represent opposition to Michel Barnier.
Magic of politics is a duo that can be described as unexpected… Since the appointment of the Barnier government, Gabriel Attal and Gérald Darmanin have found common ground: imposing their line on the new Prime Minister. A competing time for access to Matignon, but also for the presidency of the Ensemble pour la République group in the Assembly, the two ex-ministers are now joining forces and seeking to occupy the field. Affinities of circumstance therefore.
From a state of latent war to a sudden alliance to exert influence within the coalition
Yes, rivals for Matignon, Gérald Darmanin did not appreciate seeing rue de Varenne slipping away from him in favor of Gabriel Attal. They temporarily put aside their differences and their ambitions. “ When we have a common enemy it unites » confided a minister to a few journalists. And since the start of the school year in September, the two have been playing the card of rapprochement. The former Prime Minister was present at the return of the former Beauvau to his stronghold of Tourcoing at the end of September and now their actions are coordinated. On the subject of taxes they stand together. They appeared, respectively at 8 p.m. on TF1 and in Les Echostheir own proposals to reduce the public deficit. And these lessons taught by deputies who were still ministers a few days ago go down badly on Matignon’s side. Proof of this is what Michel Barnier playfully said to Gabriel Attal after his general policy declaration: “ Mr. Attal, I will be very attentive to your proposals for additional savings. Very attentive to deal with a deficit that I found when arriving “.
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Should the election for the head of Renaissance cause disagreements?
In the sights of the former Prime Minister: the head of Renaissance. The election will take place in November. And Gabriel Attal wants Gérald Darmanin to break away from Elisabeth Borne, also a priori candidate, hence this rapprochement. As for Gérald Darmanin, “ he plays with his forehead reversed », observes a Macronist elected official. “ He supports Gabriel Attal against Michel Barnier. But he also supports Elisabeth Borne “. And Gérald Darmanin wants to appear as a kingmaker in the election for head of the party. “ Attal feels the militants, Darmanin feels the people », According to the same elected official. “ But above all, we must know their degree of loyalty to Emmanuel Macron “. Conclusion, there is still a latent opposition between the two, notes this MP who only sees it as a temporary truce.