Controversy Surrounds Prime Minister's Support for Valérie Hayer in European Elections
In a recent event held at the Radio France auditorium, Valérie Hayer, head of the Renaissance list for the European elections, received support from Prime Minister Gabriel Attal. This surprise appearance by Attal has sparked significant controversy, with accusations of sexism being leveled against him. During the event, Attal interrupted Hayer's speech, saying, 'I'm sorry, I burst onto the scene. It was important for me to come and encourage Valérie.' Despite the interruption lasting almost three minutes, Hayer welcomed his support, stating, 'I am very proud to be a woman and to have the support of the Prime Minister and the President of the Republic.'
However, other political figures were less appreciative. Environmentalist candidate Marie Toussaint and François-Xavier Bellamy, head of the Les Républicains list, criticized the Prime Minister's actions. Toussaint remarked, 'Women are not doormats,' and Bellamy called the intervention 'a somewhat macho side.' They argued that this behavior undermines Hayer's position, portraying her as needing male support to succeed.
Hayer, on the other hand, dismissed these criticisms as 'vain and sterile controversies,' expressing frustration over what she sees as politically motivated attacks. 'Making these attacks on Gabriel Attal based on sexism and misogyny is outrageous,' she said. According to Hayer, critics are using feminist arguments disingenuously. She further highlighted the lack of emphasis on other women in political roles: 'Where are the number 2s of Raphaël Glucksmann, Jordan Bardella, and François-Xavier Bellamy? Do they highlight them? No.'
Despite facing backlash, Hayer made it clear she does not feel overshadowed by Attal. 'Can I be allowed to speak and express myself? Enough is enough,' she declared, pointing out that her critics' accusations only serve to distract from her campaign's message and policies. Hayer has been trailing in the polls, with Raphaël Glucksmann and Jordan Bardella gaining more significant traction.
In addition to accusations of sexism, the prominent role of the French executive in the campaign has drawn criticism. Emmanuel Macron's recent speech on major TV networks, TF1 and France 2, 24 hours before the campaign's end, further fueled the anger of several opponents. Some have even approached the Regulatory Authority for Audiovisual and Digital Communication (Arcom) to request that Macron's speaking time be deducted from Hayer's allotted time.
- Beyond the heated discussions about sexism, Hayer's campaign has been perceived as lacking visibility due to the dominant presence of male politicians. This has opened a broader conversation about the role and representation of women in political campaigns in France. Hayer's critics argue that the involvement of high-profile male figures like Attal and Macron overshadows her.
- Hayer's stance reflects a complex interplay of gender politics in modern electoral campaigns. By openly challenging her critics and defending her male supporters, she aims to reshape the narrative, advocating for a focus on policy rather than personality.
- The ongoing debates have put substantial pressure on the Renaissance list to prove that their female candidates are equally capable and not mere figureheads supported by the male political elite. The scrutiny has intensified as the European elections draw closer, with every move by Hayer and her supporters under the political microscope.
