The controversy had, however, subsided. But Valérie Hayer, head of the macronie list for the European elections, chose to put a coin back into the machine. Three months after the “Depardieu affair”, which brings together several accusations of sexual assault and filmed remarks by the actor sexualizing a little girl, the president of the Renew group in the Parliament of Strasbourg returned Tuesday evening to the controversial words that the head of state held in mid-December.
Guest of the show “Quotidien”, on TMC, Valérie Hayer developed her argument herself after a subject on the EELV deputy Julien Bayou, who resigned from his functions after accusations of psychological violence by a former partner. For the MEP,
“society has evolved, expectations have evolved. We must hear the voices of women. Everyone must do their part.”
Read alsoDepardieu affair: a look back at the accusations of sexual assault which overwhelm the actor
Without a columnist present around the table needing to relaunch her on the subject, Valérie Hayer affirms:
“As a woman”
, she
“is not very comfortable with the president's comments of the Republic on Gérard Depardieu”
and “
understands that it was poorly received”.
“ It
’s not a model,”
she says. As a reminder, 24 hours after the parliamentary whirlwind of the immigration law, Emmanuel Macron spoke at length on television at the end of 2023 for an educational exercise.
A “huge actor”
Asked at the end of the interview about the debates surrounding the 75-year-old artist, the president rejected any
“manhunt”
, which he
“hates”
.
“Great admirer of Gérard Depardieu”
, this
“immense actor”
in his words, Emmanuel Macron considered that the actor
“made France, our great authors, our great characters known throughout the world”
. “
Making
”
France “proud”
.
Also read: Gérard Depardieu targeted by a new investigation for sexual assault
Quickly, several associations and feminist voices were outraged that the head of state pretended to relativize the accusations made against the actor. And for not having had a word for the alleged victims. If Emmanuel Macron had backpedaled somewhat in his big press conference in January, Valérie Hayer kept the president's words in her throat. Searching for words and almost troubled, the head of the majority list indicates that she however
“did not have the opportunity”
to speak
“directly”
to the tenant of the Élysée about it.
The politician may accuse the one who appointed her leader in the European elections, but she also calls for
“not to caricature the action of the President of the Republic in favor of women.”
According to her, we have to put things into perspective. Way to recall Emmanuel Macron's record for seven years. “
We have a President of the Republic who is committed to women's rights and who is exemplary in this area. I’m talking about action,”
continues Valérie Hayer. Who, however, urges his lieutenants to be
“vigilant”
about the words used.