A “
freedom
”.
Far from the constraints of weighed political discourse, novel writing offers Bruno Le Maire a necessary unbridling in a public life where he still has "
things to accomplish
", explains the great French financier to AFP while presenting his latest book.
Sitting on the edge of a large gray sofa in his Parisian apartment, Bruno Le Maire suspends, for the time of an interview with AFP, his functions as Minister of Economy and Finance to speak of a “
fascination
” for the pianist Vladimir Horowitz who gave birth to his second novel,
American Fugue
(Gallimard editions), released Thursday in bookstores after five years of writing.
Read alsoWhen Bruno Le Maire inspires a character in Michel Houellebecq
“
Fascination
” for the exceptional destiny of this American musician of Russian origin, both sensitive and tough, set to music through the life of two brothers from an exiled family from Central Europe, Franz and Oskar Wertheimer, with a canvas background Cuba and the tragedies of the twentieth century.
A modern and enarque graduate of letters, experienced for years in the mysteries of power, could Bruno Le Maire do politics without taking up the pen?
“
Impossible.
I would have a feeling of confinement and shrinkage
, ”he assures.
"
If there were only politics without the freedom that literary and romantic creation gives, politics would not be enough
," explains the 54-year-old minister, gray hair and steel blue eyes.
"
Politics is a necessary commitment but there is nothing worse than when politics devours everything.
You can have a life outside of politics and a life outside of politics.
“, adds the one who has already signed a dozen books – especially around politics.
The design of a presidential image?
No question, however, of putting the latter in parentheses: "
I certainly think I have things to accomplish still in politics
", he maintains, stressing that the writer and the politician "
complement
" each other.
Does this dual profile contribute to the construction of a presidential image in the tradition of literary presidents, like a De Gaulle or a Mitterrand?
It is an affirmation that refuses to endorse the one to whom we regularly lend Elysian ambitions.
“
There is no calculation in my writing.
There is a necessity.
The best proof is that I started writing before doing politics
, ”defends Bruno Le Maire.
Before adding "
He doesn't
American
Fugue
is a hymn to classical music - a passion of Bruno Le Maire who would have liked to continue learning the piano - after a first novel dedicated to the conductor Carlos Kleiber.
“
I only write when a theme obsesses me and it is necessary.
I don't get up in the morning telling myself that I have to write at all costs
,” he explains.
Beyond its musicality, the title also translates themes such as travel, escape, the fragility of beings.
All bathed in sensuality, that of Cuba in the 1940s and scenes of assumed eroticism.
"
Sensuality is part of life, sexual life is part of life
", smiles Bruno Le Maire, who claims here an unbridled writing, contrary to the constrained style of his political works.
“
There, I was able to completely free my writing.
" Then he continues to clarify his point: "
I have a function and a responsibility which rest mainly on the words which one chooses (...) Each nuance can seduce, convince or hurt.
You have to be very careful about the meaning of the words you use as a public figure.
When you have the right words, you strengthen the unity of the nation.
When you have clumsy or hurtful words, you divide the nation
”.
The "
right words
", the government has found them, says the Minister of the Economy.
In a very chaotic social climate, he denounces "
the immoderate cult of controversy (...), conflict, confrontation
" and the "
noise of pans
", which according to him prevent any dialogue.
He opposes them to democratic “
reason
”.
After waking up at 5 a.m. to write for at least two hours, Bruno Le Maire wants to take the time to sigh, "
because this one required considerable energy from me (...) and you have to let your imagination run wild
".
