General policy speech is an art of seduction. And Gabriel Attal will in turn take part in the exercise, this Tuesday afternoon at the National Assembly, in a context of agricultural crisis. Highly anticipated, the head of government must therefore reassure angry farmers, who began a blockade on the outskirts of Paris this Monday. But if he wishes to succeed in his grand oral, the Prime Minister must also succeed in “seducing” the middle classes, the teaching world, the left wing of his majority, and why not the elected representatives of the Republicans… We present to you the bingo of ‘a successful speech.
To farmers: “I understand you”
“All those in gray suits behind me told me to stay in Paris to prepare [mon discours], I decided not to follow the advice I was given and to go into the field.” Gabriel Attal once again showed proximity to farmers on Sunday in Indre-et-Loire to show that he was not letting them down. But the Prime Minister’s announcements on Friday did not succeed in calming the rumble. A blockade of several major routes serving Paris continued Monday evening, and a blockade of Rungis was in preparation for this Tuesday.
Difficulty: 4/5. Government spokesperson Prisca Thevenot promised “new measures tomorrow”. But will this be enough to satisfy all the anger?
To teachers: “I have not abandoned you”
“Whatever the future developments, this conviction, this cause, it will never cease to inhabit me and you will always find me at your side,” said Gabriel Attal by videoconference to teachers, a few minutes before his appointment at Matignon. Three weeks later, the teachers are very annoyed. The main unions called a strike this Thursday, demanding an improvement in working conditions and wages. Teachers are also demanding the departure of their new minister, Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, scalded by her statements on public schools and other controversies.
Difficulty: 5/5. Gabriel Attal made it known that Teaching will be at the heart of his speech. But we can’t see him unloading his new minister, and therefore fully convincing the teachers, already disappointed with his express move to the ministry.
To the rebellious majority: “Don’t be afraid! »
Gabriel Attal’s speech will of course be closely scrutinized by the majority. Even more so in the left wing of the presidential camp, completely disconcerted by the immigration bill passed at the end of the year. “This text left deep traces. We have recreated a right/left divide, which is deadly for the country,” sighs a MoDem deputy. “Fortunately, the appointment of Gabriel Attal brought a new lease of life, he gave us a new lease of life,” he adds. The Prime Minister’s mission will be to sweep away the fears of certain Macronists about seeing Emmanuel Macron take a turn to the right.
Difficulty: 1/5. A few sweet words and there is no doubt that the Macronists will leave like in 14 (or rather in 2017).
To the middle classes: “You are not alone”
This grand oral has already been presented as a response to the expectations of the middle classes, “those who can only count on their job and have the feeling of receiving nothing in return”, assures a minister to AFP. Work, public services, birth rates and health will be at the heart of this speech. But it will be difficult to surprise, because a good package of measures has already been unveiled by Emmanuel Macron during his press conference on January 17.
Difficulty: 2/5. The concept of “middle class” is rather practical. It is vague enough for a large part of the French to feel more or less concerned.
On the right: “Have faith”
The appointment of a new boss at Matignon did not change the situation in the Assembly. Gabriel Attal still does not have an absolute majority and will therefore have to find allies in the Chamber to get his texts passed. With the right? “The LRs are stunned because they did not expect Attal, but they feel his power of attraction”, analyzes a Renaissance MP. An LR elected official is more cautious before this Tuesday’s speech: “The idea is not to scream before you feel pain. We’ll see what he has to tell us.”
Difficulty 4/5. It is difficult to see how the Prime Minister could convince LR deputies to support him without losing part of his left wing. Especially since the right will not do him any favors a few months before the European elections.