Three days before the first round of the legislative elections, Edouard Philippe was this Thursday morning at the Fronton market in the 5th constituency of Haute-Garonne in support of Jean-François Portarrieu, the outgoing deputy of the related majority “Horizons”, the party of the ex-Prime Minister. It is no coincidence that Edouard Philippe chose to come to Frontonnais. The mayor of Fronton, Hugo Cavagnac, is also a member of his “Horizons” party. But the publicity stunt did not have the desired effect. In any case, no crowd bath as one might have imagined in the middle of the market which is located opposite the church, but a sneaky arrival.
Maybe it was the rain or something else. “I came across Édouard Philippe, but I didn’t recognize him. He shaved his beard and his hair”remarks a shopkeeper. The suit and tie former Prime Minister does not go unnoticed either and he is not banking on Jean-François Portarrieu by chance. “He is a good MP, one of the MPs who has been most involved in all aeronautical industry issues.” Sitting next to him, a coffee in front of him, Jean-François Portarrieu wants to believe that he can win for the third time. “I was born here, I live here. I try to do politics at human level, not at ground level and not in a totally out-of-touch way.”
But this support from a national figure makes one of his opponents on the market smile, the candidate of the new Popular Front Sylvie Espagnolle. “Edouard Philippe, we will remember his record: the repression against the yellow vests, the breaking of the labor code, the limitation of industrial tribunal compensation. I am not sure that this is a good point.” A few meters further, Edouard Philippe concludes without hiding that he is already preparing for the aftermath of the legislative elections. At the last count, the former Prime Minister was proud to announce this Thursday that his Horizons party has 28,000 members.
“I do not know yet”
On the Fronton market, the arrival of Edouard Philippe still has an effect. Three days before the first round of the legislative elections this Thursday, some voters recognize that they have not yet made their choice and could be seduced. “I think it’s very good that he comes to support Jean-François Portarrieu. It’s a candidacy that I find credible for his investment locally. It’s a little early to tell you who I’m going to vote for. Overall case, I don’t know yet, but I will vote yes, that’s for sure.” And another Frontonnaise to add. “I was given a little piece of paper there. I’ll look at it and if it interests me, I’ll vote for him. But I don’t know yet. Afterwards, we’re pessimistic about already knowing who’s going to get through. That’s why it’s much harder to vote, to choose well, so as not to have the regrets we had.”
The other candidates for the 5th constituency of Haute-Garonne are: Julien Léonardelli (RN), Sylvie Bonnemaison (PNO), Michel Laserge (Lutte Ouvrière) and Dominique Piussan (Reconquête). First round Sunday, 2nd round July 7.
