THE LAUGHING LEFT (ALMOST) UNITED
How are you, honey?
Tell me...
...what if we got married?
It's what you do when you're in love.
-We can be in love without a wedding. -I want more.
That was a real proposal?
-You're pro-marriage? -I'm pro-you.
We're good together, right? It's easy and smooth.
-And Salomé adores you. -If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
You know, family, the dress, City Hall, the party...
Who cares about tradition?
Just you and me.
Our witnesses, my daughter, your brother...
We'd need an officiant for the ceremony, but Véro could do it.
Sorry, Philippe.
I might be a feminist witch, but marriage isn't for me.
-Hello. -Hello, sir.
-I saw you on the news... -Yes?
I don't always agree with you, but bravo.
-Thank you. -Do you think the union will succeed?
We're getting there.
-Last time, the primaries were divisive. -Because we did things backwards.
Before picking the candidate, we need to decide on a common platform.
Or we vote, but the losers don't support the candidate,
as they disagree on the basics, but in reality,
they disagree with the result of the primary.
-Sorry, sir, may I say something? -Hello.
The platform is a good idea, but with so many different opinions...
Less than with the joint program, when the CP supported the USSR.
We all have the same red line: ecology.
It gets different names: planification, revolution, transition...
But it's like cookies and biscuits.
For Europe, nobody on the left is for Frexit.
You won't find anybody who says that 3% is a hard and fast rule.
To me, it seems that Vidal doesn't want a union for now.
For now.
For now, he's giving you the cold-shoulder.
He's thinking and so he should. It shouldn't be taken lightly.
When you ask someone to marry you, you need to be patient.
If you walk out because they didn't immediately say yes,
it doesn't really show your love!
On the contrary, you need to show determination, passion,
and wait calmly, sure of your joint destiny.
Above all, don't rush them.
Let them mull it over quietly until they say yes.
That's it.
Yes.
It's well done. There's a direction, a will.
RICKWAERT'S LEFT
-Enthusiasm. -"We should... we must."
No details or costings. Total artistic blurring.
He'll take France 30 years backwards.
-Luckily, he has no chance. -Seven months before is good timing.
-The people will never elect an ex-con. -But they did vote for selection by lot.
Politics is all about space. I know, as I made my own.
A central block between two extremes. This referendum has destroyed it.
And Rickwaert, he... is unearthing the left.
Madam President, you will start your campaign today.
No.
I'll make this final year in office a prolific one.
Each day must serve the country.
She hasn't told you?
Not a word on the campaign since the vote.
It's in seven months. She must've decided.
Thorigny has visited five cities in a week! The media is flooded.
-Does she want Thorigny? -If she doesn't run, I'll support you.
But I won't ask for her blessing for you, okay?
Mr. Vidal, please. Over here, Mr. Vidal.
My presence here is proof of my solidarity
with these unfortunate arrested people whose lives were turned upside down
just for defending their beliefs.
Contaminated blood, asbestos, misuse of company assets, corruption,
opaque public procurement...
So many scandals in our so-called democracy.
How many prison sentences?
Today, François Mortier, 28 years old,
father to two children, a homecare nurse,
no criminal record, with a wage of 1,200 euros
was sentenced to a year in prison under committal order
for asking to count the "selection by lot" votes at the recent referendum.
François Mortier, Marie Chassin, Nabil Boukir, Marianne Robicourt,
Patrice Laroy, Maxime Raynard.
Remember these names, they will be celebrated.
Mr. Mercier, please.
-They were found guilty of violence. -Mr. Mercier!
First, ask where violence comes from.
Refusal to count shows contempt. Contempt for ideas.
What kind of democracy has little regard for ideas?
The law forbids counting "selection by lot" votes.
-Mr. Mercier. -May I?
"The law forbids it." Let's take the example of strikes.
Before it became a right, striking was a crime.
Strikers were shot by law. Was that fair?
The law is the expression of a political balance of power
and you will soon see
that we will count the ballots judged as spoiled.
-Thanks for your support, Mr. Vidal. -See you soon.
-Mr. Mercier! -Mr. Vidal!
Mr. Vidal! Please, Mr. Vidal. A question on the left's union.
Do you think this is the time?
Why refuse Rickwaert's outstretched hand?
Outstretched hand? The clowns who come and harass me shouting:
"Don't be stupid, Michel"? Rickwaert and Co. should be with us.
Where are they? In the sculleries,
discussing tactics and mazes of acronyms.
That's where their famous left-wing union ends up:
in the tragic forgetting of those it is meant to defend.
No, maybe in half an hour? Not before.
I'll call you when I'm done.
Sorry, I was in a meeting.
-Well, at least things are clearer. -Don't give up on Vidal.
Since the call to unite, he's fallen from 19 to 12.
-The non-Vidal left is at 17. -It isn't enough. Persevere. Get him in.
Philippe! Vidal is with Mercier. He threw the shit at the fan.
Accept his madness and attack full force.
-It'd confirm an irreconcilable left. -The left is irreconcilable.
If Vidal is still on the left. The platform must be changed.
To hunt in Amélie's territory... Thanks.
Daniel, hold your nerve. What's behind "Don't be stupid, Michel"?
First stage, blackmail. Union or siphon.
You said it worked. We siphoned off seven points.
Now, Phase Two. Siphon leads to the union.
If we steal more points, he'll be so low,
he'll give in and join the primary.
I'll be clear: Vidal will never do it.
So why should I take on his crazy plan for free?
I don't get it. You're going round in circles.
You're a candidate in the primaries?
-It's no secret. -Well, then,
if you win, you need to defend the platform.
That's the aim. The winner commits to the platform.
If I win, I couldn't do that.
About Europe in particular. So it must be changed.
If you want the SP in the union, of course.
-You'd sabotage the primaries? -As the Greens agree,
we'll just renegotiate the platform together.
-It'll be fine, Philippe. -Have you seen the polls?
I'm at 17, not you or some random Green.
Maybe. But we're paying.
"Don't be stupid" was costly, a primary costs even more.
So the platform should at least reflect my opinions.
Union involves compromise. It can't be the same guys making them.
-Hello. -How are you?
-Hello, everyone. -Morning.
All right? Well, I'm on the 8 o'clock news with Lapix.
She'll bring up Mercier.
The sentences may seem severe, but I have always stuck to the principle
that I never comment on court decisions, Ms. Lapix.
On pro-Mercier Facebook groups, Vidal's court visit went down well.
-He's just trying to save face. -Vidal is like N'Golo Kanté.
-The best defender in world soccer. -Another reason not to let him do it.
Mercier's videos are popular with our target audience...
Yes, but we'll quickly move on.
The interview will mainly be about Europe.
-What's new about Europe? -What I will announce.
We're abandoning Frexit.
With our friends in Italy, Poland, Czechia,
Hungary and Austria, who are in power in their countries,
we have a historical opportunity to change Europe from within.
-Is this a joke? -Two advantages.
One: without the euro we go under.
As I intend to become president, I won't ruin the country in a month.
I love my country, it's true. It isn't a slogan.
Two: Frexit is scary. It cost me victory last time.
It'll siphon votes from the right.
Boudard might support me in the second round.
-It is the end of undemonization. -Or the termination of National Rally.
For years, we've said that the eurozone would prevent 70% of our program.
-It's total surrender. -I prefer 30% to nothing at all.
That's what'll happen if we force Frexit.
Not at all. Frexit can help us win.
The country is ready.
Oustism, radicalness everywhere.
Look at Mercier! We're the natural outlet for it all
if we stay anti-establishment. If not, Vidal mops up after us.
I've made my decision.
I hear your arguments, but I make the decisions.
-It's a grave mistake. -We'll only know at the end.
-Our voters... -Enough!
We have seven months. I need my generals with swords drawn,
ready to die in battle.
Anyone with misgivings may leave now.
Any other deserters?
Then let's get to work.
I was with a teenage pop star accused of online plagiarism.
The idiot wants to sue.
Three hours to make him realize that bad buzz would be worse.
It's impossible.
Kalhenberg with Europe, Greens on nuclear power, even Dupraz...
-What does she want? -"Inclusive secularism."
-Of course. -She thinks it'll bring in votes.
Is she a candidate in the primaries too?
Not yet, but while Vidal's away, the mice will play.
They rush in, thinking it's their time.
The polls support you, that's something.
I'm high because I represent unity.
Now that Vidal has stalled, I'll fall again. They all know it.
You'll come out on top in the first round.
They'll ally against me in the second.
The trap I set for Vidal comes back to bite me. I'm a sitting duck.
It's true, your force and identity are the union. Start with that.
Above all, no break in the narrative. More like ramping up the power.
-A good joint rally. -Philippe,
this conversation has been brewing for a while and it's time for the truth.
Except you, Vidal, and a few Mohicans, nobody cares about the program details.
It's awful, almost scary, but that's how it is.
You're running for president. You know how this election goes.
Personalization, incarnation, image, polls.
You can keep avoiding the obstacle,
but you need to confront it, sooner rather than later.
For example, we could invite a few more people to our wedding.
Kalhenberg, Dupraz, Carthaud, a few Greens...
-It's brilliant. -What is the left?
A big family.
Who united them? The Pater, the boss. They all came for you.
The left union isn't the platform, it's you.
The picture alone would crush the rest.
-On the steps of Dunkirk City Hall. -Political and tabloid media together.
Stories about your laborer origins.
That'll hurt Vidal. The only one not there, the grouch.
That'll siphon his votes. I could get 20% and push him below ten.
After the wedding, we'll announce the candidacy at your peak.
You'll smash it all: the platform and the primaries.
And I'm the Black Baron.
-I'll call you back. -Have you seen this?
FOREWORD BY LÉANDRA TALLIER, MEP COMING SOON
"You reproach NF's national preferences,
accept that immigrant preferences are contested."
"Whether the Great Replacement is done by governments,
or happens spontaneously, it doesn't make a difference,
it exists and must be stopped."
None of those are in my book.
I challenge you to find a single racist word.
Maybe, but they are all by the author of your book's foreword.
-Léandra Tallier is racist. -These statements are shocking.
You know...
some of my followers criticized our recent improvised press conference.
"Vidal is an irresponsible politician too.
He has been an MP, a senator, a minister...
He has been elected his entire life. He built his career on it."
Hold on...
-I can find their comments. -That's okay. I'm good at guessing.
Here is my answer:
"We wanted to unite society around an idea.
Reinstalling democracy
and power to the people by implementing selection by lot systems.
Must uniting start with excluding?
Michel Vidal supports our cause, but must we filter political tendencies?"
Michel, everybody gets the same treatment.
We can't say: "I won't discuss with you, as you are this or that."
When you call a racist a "dirty racist", they will remain as such.
But if you talk with them, they can change. They're human after all.
We mustn't discriminate opinions.
You, for example,
often say that you want to gain votes from National Front supporters.
I'll say it how I see it. You're like a teenager in politics.
You swing from joy to revolt. You have the courage...
the freshness, the naivety necessary to fight tooth and nail,
but adolescence can also be aimless.
Firstly, racism is not an opinion but a crime.
Secondly, Léandra Tallier is not a simple MP
who lost her way at NF, but a staunch nationalist.
Thirdly, I will never accept a link between her and myself
after dedicating my whole life to defending the Lumières. Grow up!
Forgive me, I'm lecturing you. Forget it.
It's my fault. I disrespected you without realizing.
Christophe, you have an audience.
You are a guiding light for many lost souls humiliated by the system.
For the presidential election, those people will have two options:
either Chalon, who wants to screen our fellow citizens according to origin,
or myself, who proposes a constituent with citizens selected by lot.
I understand, Michel.
The studies are clear: two glasses a day is fine.
If it's good, then it comes recommended.
-WHO has our backs, my dear! -Yes, Malika.
Great. I'll be right down. I have to go.
The terrorist threat level? I bet it's Skype with Putin.
Not even close. A gallery opening at City Hall.
-That sounds dull. -No doubt it will be.
I'll watch Game of Thrones on your top-of-the-range projector then.
Seeing as you're abandoning me, I may as well make the most of it.
-Nonsense. -It's true.
-I feel very sad and lonely. -Then come with me.
-Seriously? -Yes.
He started by saying the wedding calendar for Dunkirk
was already finalized and he couldn't replace his deputy
unless he married you himself.
The architect of the left union married by the right.
Can you imagine? No. So I sent an official letter.
No response after one week.
I texted him saying if I took as long to answer his grant requests,
he would be just as angry as me. Bingo. He gave in.
Philippe, you've begged me for weeks to officiate the wedding
and you're playing on your phone!
I'm not, I'm talking to Amélie.
You must've noticed.
I had to congratulate her. A typical bobo, but they're good together.
-He's quite handsome. -It's the message that's important.
Being seen with a guy, for a control freak like her,
means she won't be running.
-Of course. -I'll be against Thorigny.
A good old Liberal with a CEO's head.
It isn't quite a walk in the park, but space is opening up for me.
Nothing can touch me now. My best friend is going to marry me!
I'm so happy. Thank you.
What did Amélie say?
"Thank you for your kind message.
I'm sorry for not saying earlier that you and Naïma make a lovely couple.
-Best wishes to you both, Amélie." -Classy.
Politics makes her obtuse. She's actually a lovely person.
I would if I could, but you know how it is.
Sorry, Mr. Mayor, isn't it up to you? It's your name, your free will.
It's a bit more complicated.
-Last time, you supported Lionel Chalon. -Precisely.
The right in power really made me pay for it.
Before, there was a bus every hour.
Now, it's three times a day if we're lucky.
They say it isn't related. "Cutting costs."
That's what we want to change if we win. Restore public services to rural areas.
Make France a nation of equality.
Sir, I'll take care of the irresponsible politicians.
A good clear out. Trust me, I won't disappoint.
-But I need your help. -I'll likely vote for you,
but in the meantime, I have a village to keep afloat.
For that, I need support from the local authorities.
Who runs those authorities? The big parties.
I'm sorry, but I can't.
124 signatures, but they are only promises.
-For the last sponsorship campaign... -Wait.
Friends, I wanted you to see the tyranny of the system with your own eyes.
As you heard from the mouth of this brave mayor, the dice are loaded.
Blackmail, intimidation, retaliation measures, extortion...
Anything goes. We are living in a mafia dictatorship.
We must reinstate democracy
by freeing ourselves from power thieves. That is my program.
Christophe Mercier on the streets of our great country.
The greatest in the world. Stand strong.
Share and keep sharing. Everyone must know the truth.
Well played.
Now, it's three times a day if we're lucky.
They say it isn't related. "Cutting costs." I'm not an idiot.
That's what we want to change if we win. Restore public services to rural areas.
Make France a nation of equality.
Sir, I'll take care of the irresponsible politicians.
A good clear out. Trust me, I won't disappoint...
We're screwed. Out of three weather apps, two forecast rain.
Forget the apps, they aren't from Dunkirk. I said it'll be sunny.
They say it'll be windy. The marquee will get blown away!
-I love it when you freak out. -I'm not freaking out, I'm organizing.
Come here.
Freaking out is normal. I freak out too.
But I have an advantage: I've done hundreds of weddings.
I know the protocol inside out, that helps to anticipate.
Let's rehearse. It'll settle the nerves.
It starts with Article 212.
"The spouses pledge mutual respect, fidelity, help and assistance."
Then... it's 213. That's about kids, we'll skip that.
214. "If the matrimonial agreements do not regulate
the spousal contribution to the expenses of the marriage,
they shall contribute in proportion to their respective faculties, etc."
Then we quickly come to
"the moment that unites us in this majestic space..." No! "Majestic room."
"Mr. Philippe Rickwaert, do you take
Ms. Naïma Meziani to be your lawful wedded husband... Wife!
Here, before you."
Yes.
"Ms. Naïma Meziani,
do you take Mr. Philippe Rickwaert to be your lawful wedded husband?
Here, before you."
Yes.
Yes! Say it again.
-Yes. Yes. -Yes. Yes.
It is with great emotion, impossible to hide...
...that I have the honor of welcoming you all
to celebrate the union of Ms. Naïma Meziani
and Mr. Philippe Rickwaert. It's emotional as...
it is not only a personal friend that I have the privilege of marrying,
but also the former mayor of our city, Dunkirk.
Dear Naïma, dear Philippe, I don't need to say that you are home.
-Look who's here. -It's Vidal.
-What's he doing here?
Please. Please!
Among the symbols attached to this republican union that is marriage,
I have always been partial to leaving the doors of this room open...
-Seriously? -...for all citizens, if they so wish,
-to witness... -I love you, Mr. President.
The Commission intends to lower the CAP's budget.
The question is by how much? There's talk of 10%.
-That's a lot. -Too much.
The Swedes say it's testing the waters to get less than 5%.
At a time where the agricultural sector needs significant investment,
-1% is too much. -I think the key is...
Watch out, the baddies are coming!
Gather round for a photo.
-Oh, yes. -My darling.
Oh, yeah?
Over here! One for me and one for you.
It wasn't me!
-...eat some grass. -You all right, Dad?
-Are you well? -Yes.
You did the right thing.
-I'd have done the same thing. -It had to be done.
The groom!
Better still, the groom's father!
Let me introduce you to a big fan.
-Pleasure, Mr. Rickwaert. -We've met before.
In 1990. The great strike at Dunkirk's autonomous port.
-We got you up on that crane. -Oh, yes!
-You see, he remembers. I told you. -Yes.
I haven't voted since '83, after Mitterrand's betrayal.
But last time, I voted for you. I thought: "He's a true red."
-Thank you. -We sang too.
-Yes. -Leave the machines
Get out, workers
March on, march on
Prepare to fight
Flags hoisted and weapons loaded
Quick march, advance to attack
We must win the world!
Workers, stand up!
With your dad it was a crane, you want to get me on that platform.
That's one way of seeing it.
How will we do it? Where's your platform?
-Maybe this isn't the time. -Why not?
We're here. Make the most of it.
You've been saying for months
that you can get everyone to agree in under ten minutes. Do it.
...the wrath of the masses
In London, in Paris, Budapest and Berlin
Seize the power, army of workers
Take your revenge,
army of workers
The best of us
died in battle
Beaten, knocked down, chained
in labor camps
We have no fear of torture and death
Forward, workers Let us be ready and strong
Forward, workers
Let us be ready and strong
Bravo!
Yes!
See what we're missing? Why did you leave me again?
-I left you? -Like an old piece of shit.
I am but a shadow of my former self.
-I am adrift. -Don't drift too much!
Sorry.
He took my word, the old scoundrel.
He's in the photo. It deserves a meeting.
He'll have to wait for Monday.
What if tomorrow, Vidal says you won't negotiate?
I won't hold a meeting on our wedding day!
Our real wedding was this morning in the bedroom.
PLATFORM TO UNITE THE LEFT AND THE ECOLOGISTS
It's not bad. Except the title which stinks of naphthalene.
-Why not a "For a Popular Federation"? -Fine. Does everyone agree?
There's no "ecology" which was to be the union's glue.
I won't impose a reference to communism, but there's no "left" either.
The people haven't identified with the left for some time.
Due to hearing it's the same as the right.
What about "social"? "For a popular, social and ecological federation."
-"Ecological and social." -Okay.
Now the elephant in the room: Europe.
-I'll have a coffee. Not a lot to ask. -What's the problem?
"Leaving the treaties" isn't leaving Europe.
It is. What is Europe? Treaties.
We're just taking green spending out of the deficit calculation.
-That's all. -I think austerity should be abolished,
but since Philippe has taken 70% of my program,
I'm willing to limit the arm wrestling to ecology.
-You're the block, Daniel. -No, Véro, it's reality.
-The reality is a climate time bomb. -Exactly.
We need Europe! Leaving is the last thing we need.
-Nobody wants to leave. -Okay.
Imagine we push the deficit to 5%. What happens then?
Other countries copy us.
The great French nation lights the way for the lost people of Europe.
In less pompous terms, they'll catch us to renegotiate the treaties.
-Europe is nothing without France. -Except in reality,
they'll hit us with a fine for excessive deficit.
-We won't pay. -Of course...
Why bother? No respect for anything!
That's what I've been saying. An uncontrolled voyage
to leaving Europe. Well, I won't be joining you.
How much is the fine?
Between 0.2 and 0.5% of GDP: five to ten billion.
And we're fighting over ten billion? It needs to be paid.
We're infringing on the 3%, but only for ecology.
Pay the fines and we stay.
We leave the logic, but not the treaties.
Michel?
It's giving the finger to Brussels.
The sanctions system is reinterpreted as a right to disobey. Bravo, Philippe.
Shame that the SP is dead, you'd have been a great First Secretary.
An excellent overview.
Champagne! It's my wedding after all!
To marriage!
He comes in with a hit, I dodge,
a hit to the stomach, a right hook and he falls.
He was six feet tall! I still have marks on my knuckles.
Yeah, right. That's not what Dad said.
A bottle, please. Can you bring a case into the house, please?
Thank you.
-You both look lovely. -Where have you been?
There are always things to sort out at a wedding!
What?
-Really? -Someone got annoyed that there was...
-...he'd smack him... -He's a bit old.
-...dirty socialist traitor. -Is that clear?
Have you seen Mercier's video?
When he compares us to a cancer, or when he filmed that poor mayor?
No, the one where he criticizes the anti-democratic system
of the 500 signatures.
Do you remember my score at the last presidential election?
-You never let us forget: 14.8. -But you may have forgotten
the number of backers I obtained: 507. Seven signatures less
and I couldn't have run.
Six million citizens would've been deprived of my candidacy.
-So what? -Mercier's candidacy is legitimate.
It is our responsibility to say it.
-Come on. -Unbelievable. You idiot.
-Champagne! -He has relapsed.
Support Mercier! I warned you. The best jokes come to an end.
-What's going on? -Our central task is uniting the people.
To do that, we must answer the only important question:
are we for the people or for oligarchy?
So it's our attitude to Mercier which is revealing?
-It makes sense. -You're crazy.
Daniel, let's listen. Michel,
we have a constituent with selection by lot and recognition of blank ballots.
We'll be lucky if 1,000 layabouts bother to read it.
We need strong action. A call to all elected officials so that Mercier
gets his 500 signatures, as his candidacy is legitimate.
Now listen here, my polls aren't great,
but I guarantee that no member of Blum's party
-will back that Nazi Mercier! -Oh, yes!
I'd like to be like you, Nazi or not Nazi.
-It'd be refreshing. -I'll teach you.
Mercier is a Nazi and you're in on it!
-What did you say? -Nazi collaborator!
-A Gestapo jerk! -Calm down!
-SS ass kisser! -Stop it!
-That's enough! -Forty years in service
and I get called a Nazi by the snooty middle classes! I'm too old.
-Get him, Daniel will apologize. -Over my dead body.
Are you a total idiot? You want the responsibility of de-unity?
Enough from you. Your fake wedding to screw us over was borderline,
but Mercier? Never!
Vidal was cuckolded by Mercier! He needs help to save face.
By allowing this Nazi Mercier to run?
We'll tell our elected officials that it is to secure Vidal.
Can you see me getting signatures for Mercier?
When Aurore brings him back, apologize to him.
And you should apologize to me too. My marriage is not fake at all.
Michel! Michel!
-He wants to apologize. -He could run through the capital naked
saying he wants my kids, nothing changes.
We can't win the presidential elections with their left-wing union.
-Why not? -Because the revolution has begun.
How does Lenin define a revolutionary situation?
"Bottoms don't want and the tops cannot."
That's it. "The tops cannot."
The State is destroyed after 30 years of neo-liberalism.
The social link is dislocated such that
the President can't even run for election.
"Bottoms don't want." People challenge our institutions,
detest politicians, hate the media, suspect police, the justice system,
such that the bond holding society together will snap:
consent to state authority.
Lenin also says there is a chance event
that triggers an avalanche, leading to revolution.
-That chance event has already happened. -What's that?
Mercier's arrival. Tens of thousands of people
who were politically disconnected rushed to the ballot boxes
shouting: "Get them out, we'll do it ourselves."
-That isn't about to stop. -If that's a revolution...
That's where Robespierre comes in useful.
A revolution consists of two stages: one destructive, and one reconstructive.
Mercier is the first, I'm the second.
-You want an alliance with Mercier? -Not at all.
You want us to help with his 500 signatures!
To show that I am anti-establishment.
What will Mercier's supporters do? They'll vote for the one
who broke the old left's endless debate
by denouncing Mercier's demonization, and that's me.
What if Mercier gets the signatures?
Impossible. The system he criticizes exists.
Léandra Tallier will get him 150 signatures. 350 short.
The path to power is starting to clear. The hardest is yet to come.
Chin up! I'm not worried, but I must stay focused.
Even if Philippe wins the primary for the left, he's trapped.
After siphoning Mercier, the tactical vote is in your favor.
You'll siphon the old left and what'll they get? Not even 5%.
Aurore, the revolution has begun.
It is the only moment in history where revolutionaries have a role to play.
Michel, wait!
Philippe!
Your dad just saw them in the parking lot.
-Michel! -Hi, Philippe!
What a lovely wedding!
With the country's weight on your back, you fall straight to sleep.
Now that you'll soon be free, you can't sleep.
Wait here.
Problem... solution.
-I am the President of France, Olivier. -I know.
France needs you to sleep.
Don't worry, it's very soft.
Personally produced by a friend from college.
Natural, no GMOs...
Truly organic.
-Two drags and you'll sleep like a baby. -You got that in?
Yes. Small remark: security is a bit lax.
You can start at any age. I started at 25.
I had to write an article, but my mind was blank.
I was really stressed. I wandered the streets of Paris.
I ended up in a bar. I got chatting to the bartender.
He gave me my first joint. It got rid of all my stress.
I went home and wrote all night.
The quality wasn't great, I'll admit. Avoid it before a rally.
-But sometimes, it comes in handy. -This is handy...
-A Gestapo jerk! -Calm down!
You know that I'm progressive.
I place nothing above the necessity of fairness.
Unemployment, although lower, remains too high.
This is not fair.
Purchasing power, despite being on the increase,
remains weak for many people who work, and work hard.
This is not fair. Education,
which should be the first lever to liberation,
reproduces the inequalities of birth. This is not fair.
Fellow citizens, to correct this injustice,
these inequalities, these gashes in the republican pact,
I have decided to stand for re-election as president.
You have already heard this profession of faith,
"redistribution happens now."
All too often, this attractive promise
smashes against the wall of financial hardship.
Two terms for two stages of action.
First, purification in order to redistribute in justice.
At the same time, we must take up the biggest challenge of our time: ecology.
Preserving biodiversity and in the end, humanity.
Victor Hugo once said:
"When France meets an idea, they'll travel the world together."
That is my plan.
This is why, if you put your trust in me once again,
France will be exempt from the 3% rule for green investments.
I'd like to say one last thing, on a subject dear to our hearts: democracy.
I know some believe it to be artificial or describe our country as dictatorship.
While the debate is raging, let us conduct it transparently,
for all to see, as part of the electoral process.
This is why I now sincerely address our nation's elected officials
to allow the candidacy of Mr. Christophe Mercier, not to mention names.
As no, in France there are no forbidden debates.
In France there is no system targeted at stifling the debate of ideas.
In France, there are views of the world
which are expressed and made clear by the people's vote.
Combining continuity and disruption is impressive,
but bluffing Mercier's signatures was incredible.
It wasn't a bluff.
I want him to get his 500 backers and you'll take care of it.
Mercier will act as a double siphon on the two extremes.
He'll compete with both Chalon and Vidal.
They'll learn the hard way what anti-establishment means.
The nutcracker is back. I'm in a vise between Vidal and Amélie.
They'll smash me up and share out the crumbs.
You can loosen the vise.
You need a new way of reading the situation.
You're center-left, the balancing point.
Presidency isn't my dream. I haven't thought about it since school.
I'm an activist.
I led the fight to build a union. I lost, that's the game.
I must accept that. There is one thing I mustn't do!
Add division to division.
I've always advocated the union. I have coherence, an identity, a loyalty.
That comes before my ego. It'll pay off one day.
The cursed prophet of the left-wing union.
-There are worse fates. -It reminds me of someone.
Trotsky. He put coherence before everything else.
He lost power within a year and got an ice axe in his skull.
We're talking about walking the desert for six years.
Times have changed. The long-term doesn't exist anymore.
If you don't do it now, they'll bury you.
You won't be vintage, you'll be a relic.
Subtitle translation: Elaine Scott www.sdimedia.com