After Emmanuel Macron's thunderbolt announcement on Sunday evening, some are already seeing it as an opportunity to return to the political game. Former socialist minister Jérôme Cahuzac, convicted of tax fraud, has announced that he will be a candidate in Lot-et-Garonne in the next legislative elections. This follows the dissolution of the National Assembly by President Emmanuel Macron, prompted by the large victory of the RN in the European elections.
Jérôme Cahuzac, the former deputy mayor of Villeneuve-sur-Lot and Minister Delegate in charge of the Budget under François Hollande's presidency, confirmed he will run as a 'candidate under the center-left label'. He will be facing the outgoing MP RN Annick Cousin in the 3rd constituency of the department. The first round of legislative elections is scheduled for June 30, with the second round set for July 7.
At 71, Cahuzac emphasized his independence, stating, 'I am not dependent and I do not depend on any party.' Since his fall from grace, he has re-entered the political arena in Lot-et-Garonne by organizing several public meetings. He believes he has 'paid off his debt' and is determined not to limit his political endeavors.
'I am a candidate for the legislative election in the 3rd constituency of Lot-et-Garonne, to finish a job in which no one, or very few, has been interested for so many years,' Cahuzac explained, stressing the need to defend the territory once again. Regarding Emmanuel Macron's decision, he noted that it is consistent with both the voters' recent expressions and France's best interests.
However, the PS branch in Lot-et-Garonne, PS 47, has made it clear that they do not support Cahuzac’s candidacy. The refusal was firmly stated in a press release. Cahuzac's past is marred by controversy. In 2013, amidst Mediapart revelations, he denied having a hidden account abroad, a claim he made 'eye to eye' in front of the deputies. Five years later, he was found guilty of tax fraud and sentenced to four years in prison, two of which were suspended, along with a five-year ineligibility. He ultimately served his sentence with an electronic bracelet.
In the recent European elections, the RN list led by Jordan Bardella came first in Lot-et-Garonne with over 38% of the votes. The party currently holds two out of the three constituencies in the department.
- Jérôme Cahuzac's return to politics comes at a time of considerable political upheaval in France. Macron's decision to dissolve the National Assembly has stirred the political landscape, causing various figures to re-evaluate their positions.
- Cahuzac's determination to re-enter the political arena emphasizes his belief in redemption and his commitment to public service. His candidacy, however, is a topic of contention among different political groups, including his former party, which has distanced itself from him.
- The upcoming legislative elections are set to be highly competitive and will serve as a significant indicator of the current political climate in France. Voters in Lot-et-Garonne and other regions will have crucial decisions to make, which will shape the country's future political trajectory.
