“People will tell you that my project is all about blood and tears,” Philippe said. “Let’s be serious. This isn’t about blood or tears. Maybe a little sweat, yes. Effort. Seriousness. Determination. And I want to be clear: I will ask for effort, but fair, shared effort, spread out over time.”
He went on to detail his ambitions for France on education, health and public finances, calling for a smaller and more nimble government. He also hinted at changes to France’s state pensions system, an explosive topic in the country.
“I will not tax companies that are already taxed too much. And I will tell pensioners that they will need to contribute more to finance the social welfare system,” Philippe said. “I want a state focused on its mission: Protect its children, educate them, maintain order, put its accounts in order, secure pensions.”
Jump-starting the campaign
Philippe was under pressure at his first campaign rally to refute accusations that he was leading a lackluster presidential bid that could fail to make noise.
“He has been accused of being a bit cold. He is reserved,” said campaign spokesperson Arnaud Péricard ahead of the speech. “He is going to come out of his shell. He needs to do it so that the French vote for him.”
On stage in Paris Philippe struck a more personal cord, speaking about his family and his upbringing in the gritty port city of Le Havre, where he is now mayor. He also mentioned the skin disease vitiligo and hair loss that he suffered during his premiership.