It was not long before Christophe Castaner entered… at the Elysee Palace, as special advisor to the president. If it was envisaged that he replaces Philippe Grangeon, who will leave this post in mid-September, the former Minister of the Interior refused. "Many were pushing, but he did not want to have a collaborator status," confides a lieutenant of Emmanuel Macron. He made the choice to run for the presidency of the group. The function, recalls an LREM deputy, is "thankless". But it would allow him to continue to play an official role within the majority, after his forced departure from Beauvau.
Tuesday morning, as the campaign began, Prime Minister Jean Castex received him in Matignon, as revealed by Le Point. To read as "a mark of support," says one of his friends, when one of his competitors for the head of the group is irritated: "He made it known to everyone by suggesting that it was necessary see it as a boost. "
On paper, this grumpy president appears to be a favorite. The fact remains that this campaign is far from won. "He will have to fight", observes another historical faithful of the Head of State. In front of him, the former minister François de Rugy or the deputy of Yvelines Aurore Berger, make two solid candidates. It will also be necessary to reckon with the deputy of the Hérault Coralie Dubost. Of all these contenders, Castaner is the one who has the most to lose.
"Christophe's proximity to the president does not necessarily protect him"
However, "the game will be much more balanced than one thinks", predicts a minister, in particular because of "the multiplication of the candidatures". “Christophe's proximity to the president does not necessarily protect him, continues the same. And for the deputies disappointed by Emmanuel Macron in recent months, it may even be a handicap. "
Now installed in his office as a deputy in the Assembly - which he occupies for the first time since the start of the five-year term - Castaner observes a media diet to better emphasize that this campaign is being played out internally. He only has a few weeks to convince. “In the group, we are all aware that this position was not a priority. He wanted to remain minister, ”breathes an LREM deputy. According to those close to him, he therefore multiplies the calls or SMS to his peers, " one-to-one exchanges ".
“You have to understand the reality of this group, which needs to rebuild a working relationship with the executive after being abused. He can have this relationship that is both loyal and frank, ”promotes Guillaume Vuilletet, one of his supporters. Certain pillars of the group nevertheless confide always waiting for a phone call from the candidate… And knowing his roadmap. The former minister intends to exhibit it Thursday and Friday, via the Zoom application, during discussions open to all LREM deputies. Divided deputies, therefore unpredictable. "At least there is something at stake," smiles a Macronist. We cannot say that it is the president who decides everything. "
