Immigration, Covid-19, Eric Zemmour: what to remember from the second debate of the candidates for the LR primary – LaDepeche.fr

Firmness on substance, courtesy on form, the five LR contenders for the presidential nomination have praised their solutions on immigration and security on Sunday, in the hope of standing out as Congress approaches which will appoint the right-wing candidate. Standing behind a desk, Xavier Bertrand, Valérie Pécresse, Michel Barnier, Eric Ciotti and Philippe Juvin met in the evening on BFMTV and RMC for a new debate, six days after a first opus last Monday.

The challenge was to talk to right-wing supporters, but above all to convince LR members as the congress approached, which will nominate their presidential candidate, from December 1 to 4. Everyone has played their part: pugnacity for Valérie Pécresse, determination for Xavier Bertrand, pedagogy for Michel Barnier, rupture for Eric Ciotti …

Firmness on immigration

Attacking immigration, each has developed strong proposals: Xavier Bertrand advocated a “30% decrease in labor immigration”, 50% for students and “to divide by three family immigration”. Michel Barnier explained his “moratorium” intended to “put a stop” to immigration, while Valérie Pécresse pleaded for “to stop the automatic right of soil” for children born in France. Eric Ciotti promised him to “stop family reunification” and to establish a “long path of integration” of “at least ten years” before any naturalization. As for Philippe Juvin, in favor of suspending the ECHR (European Convention on Human Rights), he refused to “limit the number of” foreign “students who are” part of the influence of France “.

On this subject, government spokesman Gabriel Attal tackled in Le Figaro Michel Barnier, given for one of the favorites, who according to him “is unable to concretely explain the translation of the moratorium he is proposing”.

For the ecologist Sandrine Rousseau, this debate “was on the verge of slipping to the extreme right,” she tweeted, arousing the annoyance of the candidates. “Enforcing the laws of France is not being extreme, but being republican”, launched Valérie Pécresse while Xavier Bertrand mocked “the supporters of Islamogauchism, of repentance” who want “to give us lessons “.

Only Eric Ciotti defends Eric Zemmour

Briefly mentioned, the arrival of Eric Zemmour at the Bataclan on Saturday evening of the sixth anniversary of the attacks was condemned by Michel Barnier as a “provocation (…) not very worthy”. “We expected dignity and respect, obviously these are not two concepts that inhabit Mr. Zemmour”, assured Xavier Bertrand, while Valérie Pécresse estimated that “in a moment of meditation we do not make controversy”. But Eric Ciotti spoke of a “Moscow trial” against the identity polemicist.

The candidates also wanted to be inflexible on security: “punch squads” in “lawless areas” where “I do not exclude the involvement of the army” for Valérie Pécresse, “mandatory minimum sentences” and “criminal majority at 15” for Xavier Bertrand …

Emmanuel Macron targeted

They also attacked the head of state, who had outraged the right by announcing Tuesday a revival of nuclear power close to the demands of the LR candidates. “What do you think Emmanuel Macron is doing now? He is watching our debates!” Xavier Bertrand launched. “Five months of communication will not replace five years of inaction,” said Michel Barnier. “Emmanuel Macron made a political mistake, he created a young RSA,” said Valérie Pécresse in allusion to the employment contract.

On purchasing power, Xavier Bertrand vilified leaders “completely above ground” and defended his proposals for “work premium”. Lower production taxes and sovereign funds for Michel Barnier, conference on wages for Valérie Pécresse … who summed up the tone: “Work must pay more than assistance”. The candidates also agreed to plead a revival of family policy or the defense of French industry.

This debate, free of any hitch despite some disagreements (on NATO or the possible containment of the unvaccinated) was organized 48 hours from the deadline for joining LR to be able to vote at the congress which will appoint the candidate. The party had 125,000 members Saturday, against only 80,000 in September.

What sets them apart

Xavier Bertrand, Valérie Pécresse, Michel Barnier, Eric Ciotti and Philippe Juvin were questioned during the debate on what differentiated them between them.