Christophe Béchu, the secretary general of Horizons, a party founded by former French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe, discussed the party’s stance on the government of Michel Barnier during an interview on TF1. Béchu stated that there are no unconditional supporters within the party, but highlighted some points of alignment between Horizons and Barnier’s government. He noted that Barnier is pro-European, supports decentralization, and believes in maintaining order in both financial matters and public demonstrations – all positions that align with Horizons’ own platform. Béchu warned that the failure of Barnier’s government could open the door for extremist candidates such as Jean-Luc Mélenchon and Marine Le Pen to gain popularity.
Béchu expressed his belief that it would be impossible to roll back the controversial pension reform in the current economic climate, amidst ongoing budget discussions. He also addressed the recent refusal by the president of the Finance Committee, André Laignel, to implement the government’s proposed cost-saving measures for local authorities totaling 5 billion euros. Béchu argued against an outright rejection of all cost-saving measures, stating that such an approach would be irresponsible. Instead, he urged for a fair distribution of the burden across different sectors.
In addition to discussing current political issues, Béchu shared that Horizons is actively preparing for the upcoming presidential election. The party is focused on selecting candidates for legislative elections through a commission of investitures, as well as appointing national secretaries to oversee specific policy areas. These preparations indicate the party’s intention to expand its influence and compete in future elections with a comprehensive platform and a range of experienced candidates.
Béchu emphasized the importance of supporting Michel Barnier’s government to prevent the rise of extremist candidates on both the left and right spectrums of the political landscape. He stressed the need for stability, order, and a commitment to European integration, all of which he believes are shared values between Horizons and Barnier. By aligning closely with the government’s policies and goals, Horizons aims to position itself as a moderate and responsible political force in France, advocating for a balanced approach to governance that prioritizes economic stability and social justice.
Looking ahead to the future, Béchu highlighted the party’s strategic planning for the upcoming presidential election, including the selection of candidates for legislative races and the appointment of national secretaries to oversee key policy areas. By investing in these organizational efforts, Horizons seeks to consolidate its position as a viable political alternative with a comprehensive platform and a diverse pool of candidates representing a range of policy positions. Through these initiatives, the party aims to strengthen its presence in French politics and offer a compelling vision for the country’s future, grounded in principles of moderation, stability, and responsible governance.
