A long-awaited foreword. Tuesday, January 18, Valérie Pécresse inaugurated "France in the eyes", the new political program of BFMTV, hosted by Jean-Jacques Bourdin. An appointment that almost fell through, as indicated by the candidate Les Républicains for the presidential election. At issue: the opening of an investigation after a complaint of attempted sexual assault filed by a former RMC journalist against the star interviewer of the channel. During the day, Valérie Pécresse's entourage definitively confirmed her participation in the program after hesitating. With the only condition of being able to express oneself on this subject.
“I clearly asked myself the question of my participation in this program this evening, she assured from the start in front of the journalist.
So I know that he strongly disputes these facts.
And of course, it is up to the courts to decide them and I respect the presumption of innocence to which each of our compatriots is entitled.
And I would like to say it very clearly: If these accusations are true, they are serious and they must be condemned.
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“The law of silence is over”
The contender for the Elysée also insisted on recalling her commitment "against sexual harassment and against violence against women", "a personal fight for (her)".
“For too long, society has looked the other way, closed its eyes, sought to minimize.
Too many women have been afraid for a long time to file a complaint.
And, president of all French people, I will no longer let any woman be afraid to file a complaint.
The law of silence is over, she promised.
And for speech to be freed, women need to feel supported.
And with me, they will be.
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A clarification that Valérie Pécresse wanted to make, “because I am frank and I am straightforward.
“If I am here this evening, it is out of respect for you, the French, who have come together to ask me questions that you have been preparing for a week.
So, I'm really here to answer you, ”she concluded.
Facing her, before actually starting his show, Jean-Jacques Bourdin once again wanted to deny it, as he had done on Saturday against the Parisian.
“I have decided not to comment on this.
But I contest the facts reported by the press and I let justice do its job,” he said.