The former Minister of Labor of François Hollande, François Rebsamen, gave this Saturday, March 5 his support to Emmanuel Macron for the next presidential election.
“It’s an obvious choice. No other candidate today seems more competent. He has the stature and credibility of a head of state. He has proven it every day while we are at war, ”said the mayor of Dijon in an interview with Le Parisien.
The former number two of the PS between 1997 and 2008 was seduced by one of the key measures applied by the founder of La République en Marche. “The policy of whatever it costs is one of the major elements that made me evolve”, detailed the ex-minister, rejoicing that France was “one of the most protective countries in Europe during the Covid crisis by paying the 8.5 million French people most affected.
In July 2021, François Rebsamen had already signed a common platform with 350 mayors to salute the “courage of Emmanuel Macron”, then he had mentioned in October “common causes” with Territories of progress, which brings together the left wing of the presidential majority. “I’m not asking for anything for myself,” however clarified the 70-year-old elected official about a possible position within the majority.
Create an “independent social democratic movement”
The socialist nevertheless noted differences of opinion with the current French head of state by declaring himself against the reform of unemployment insurance, which widens “gaps in allowances which are not acceptable” and to which “he will have to be remedied”. Four years after accusing Emmanuel Macron of “privileging the richest”, François Rebsamen has also maintained his opposition to the abolition of the wealth tax.
With a view to “weighing” on a new five-year term of Emmanuel Macron, he expressed his forthcoming ambition to create an “independent social-democratic movement” after the presidential election. “We cannot leave Emmanuel Macron alone with the right. Personalities will join me,” said the former Minister of Labor.
This rallying of a former PS executive to the candidacy of the French head of state is the third in a few days, after those of former Prime Minister Manuel Valls and former Minister of Social Affairs and Health Marisol Touraine .