For the last summer before the 2022 presidential election, Xavier Bertrand does not want to wait until September 1 to make his political comeback. The candidate (ex-LR) for the chair of the Elysee took the opportunity of the arrival of the Taliban to power in Afghanistan to criticize the head of state on Islamism.
“For five years, Emmanuel Macron has shown a confusing naivety” and “has absolutely not taken the measure of the threat that radical Islamism poses to our security and our values,” he said in an interview with Sunday newspaper. Calling to “immediately dissolve all the Islamist organizations which propagate a political ideology incompatible with the values that we carry”, he also promises that in the event of election to the presidency of the Republic, “the funding coming directly or indirectly from States foreigners will be banned ”.
“France lacked leadership”
Regarding Afghanistan, Xavier Bertrand believes that “given the dramatic conditions of the American withdrawal, France has lacked leadership” and calls for “to be very clear with the new Afghan leaders: if Afghanistan once again becomes the rear base for anti-terrorism. -Western (…), massive and rapid sanctions will have to be triggered ”. According to him, we must also “seriously prepare for the migratory shock that is coming. We must take our part in this drama, but not under any conditions, and not alone ”.
Eight months before the presidential election, the president of Hauts-de-France also considers the question “central” to “the standard of living of those who work and have modest salaries”. He also advocates a “republican reconquest” which involves “taking control of our migration policy, the return of the police and public services in the neighborhoods, and again the possibility of social advancement for young people of all ages. origins ”.
The hand extended to the other candidates
Finally on the question of the right-wing presidential candidate, Xavier Bertrand repeats that he will “not be a candidate for a primary”. But “I will extend my hand” to “Valérie Pécresse, like Laurent Wauquiez, like all the others.” I will open my team to all talents, to campaign as well as to lead the country, ”he says.