“I watched what happened with interest and a certain distance.
» In La Tribune Dimanche this weekend, Édouard Philippe spoke on the appointment of Gabriel Attal to Matignon and on the new government.
Events that he followed “without getting upset”, he explains, “knowing that the main thing is less the composition of the government than what it must do”.
The former Prime Minister wants “the government to provide solutions” and assures: “To the extent that I can support it, I will support it.
I am a collective player.
» He nevertheless admits to having had little involvement in the reshuffle.
Read alsoReshuffle, Dati candidate for mayor of Paris… for Édouard Philippe, tensions on the line
Received by the president on January 5 at the Élysée as part of consultations, Édouard Philippe said he defended the retention of Élisabeth Borne at Matignon, then later transmitted a list of names, drawn up with the boss of the Horizons group to the 'National Assembly.
He also assures that Emmanuel Macron did not mention the name of Gabriel Attal to him as Prime Minister.
“Gabriel has talent”
What does he think of the new government composition?
“Surprising,” replies the mayor of Le Havre, who indicates that he did not understand the choice of Rachida Dati for Culture and the expanded portfolio of Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, who has since been relieved of the Ministry of Education.
As for the appointment of Gabriel Attal, “the president has returned to a certain form of audacity,” believes Édouard Philippe.
I am in the least position to be offended by it.
On the contrary.
I benefited from it,” before recognizing: “Gabriel has talent.
»
In view of the 2027 presidential election, which he has started to prepare for, the mayor of Le Havre fears that the victory of the National Rally will become more and more obvious.
This is why “every day, I put the equation in my head of how to beat it.
And it’s not easy,” he admits.
Édouard Philippe also assures that he will take “risks” during his campaign, because “you don’t win without it”.