Guillaume Tabard: "The three levels of political debate"

Clausewitz's phrase is well known: "War is nothing other than the continuation of politics by other means." Does the "war" against the coronavirus in turn imply the cessation of traditional politics? It all depends on the meaning we give to words. Three distinct meanings are at play.

First there is politics in the sense of the functioning of institutions. This one continues and must continue. The President and the Prime Minister decide on the measures, the Ministers, mainly those of Health, the Economy and the Interior, implement them. Parliament is meeting this Thursday. One can wonder about the assembly of assemblies, even with reduced manpower, when most of the citizens are confined at home. Or on the back and forth from elected provincial when we warn the French against any form of traffic. But for budgetary and health decisions to be effective, they must be voted on. And except to resort

This article is for subscribers only. You still have 66% to discover.

Subscribe: € 1 for 2 months

cancellable at any time

Already subscribed? Log in