Last Sunday evening, at the Côte-d’Or prefecture, Benoît Bordat firmly declared: ” I choose to persevere until the second round of the election. I call on all Democrats and Republicans to step up to keep this constituency in the Republican field. “He also highlighted his long-standing commitment: ” For 15 years, I was elected by the City of Dijon within the municipal majority of François Rebsamen. Today, I am the only candidate to defend this municipal majority, as well as the policy implemented in Dijon and in the other municipalities of the constituency. I am the only one to defend Dijon and the metropolis. It is a clear distinction; Catherine Hervieu, for her part, is an opponent. […] I do not intend to dictate to other candidates what they should do. I appeal to their republican sense. I am convinced that my choice is the most responsible one for this constituency. »
The next day, Monday July 1, Benoît Bordat announced his withdrawal from the race, appearing to change his mind abruptly: ” My political conscience was born on April 21, 2002. The fight against the extreme right is my commitment, my conscience and my convictions. Committed to social progress, committed to serving all territories, my work has been praised by all the vital forces of the territory. The extreme right represents an absolute danger for our country, it is a poison. I would like to thank the 12,225 voters who trusted me as well as my team and the activists who have worked tirelessly for 2 years, in the service of the general interest and for our beautiful territory. This is why, in conscience and responsibility, I am taking the difficult decision to withdraw to defeat the National Rally. I will remain committed as I have been since 2008 to serving the general interest, to serving our fellow citizens. »
Benoît Bordat’s withdrawal should favor Catherine Hervieu (NFP). Tatiana Guyenot, from the National Rally, came out on top with 34.64% of the vote. In politics as in meteorology, weather vanes are not always reliable. Benoît Bordat gave a brilliant demonstration of this, offering a spectacle that was as disappointing as it was surprising. He should have announced his withdrawal on Sunday evening! The moral of this story? Politics can be merciless, but it never fails to offer us moments worthy of the greatest theatrical farces.
What happened between these remarks on Sunday evening and Monday, July 1, 2024? We don’t know, but one thing is certain: Benoît Bordat has now come to his senses! He now has all the time in the world to go around in circles, like a weather vane lost in the storm!
