The head of the Republicans, Eric Ciotti, has appointed Sarkozyist Emmanuelle Mignon, 55, as vice-president of the party, “[in charge] of ideas and the project”.
Former chief of staff of Nicolas Sarkozy, Ms. Mignon returns to service “at the initiative” of Mr. Ciotti, to “reconstruct a political offer” which allows the right to “re-federate (its) natural electorate with the attempted by the extremes,” she explains in an interview with Le Figaro.
“We must manage to unclench our jaws [between the RN and macronism], without falling into catastrophism,” she assures, while saying she is convinced that “alternation in macronism does not exist” .
“She will work for the long term until the presidential election of 2027. And her first challenge will be to work on the European project” on June 9, specifies the party leadership.
Asked by Le Figaro about the head of LR’s list in this election, which has still not been designated, she replied that “it is not her subject, even if we must prepare this campaign and its content”.
“With the appointment of Ms. Mignon, Mr. Ciotti gives new impetus to the work of the Republicans on ideas, a priority for rebuilding the possibility of alternation,” reacted François-Xavier Bellamy, leader of the LR MEPs.
In January 2022, Ms. Mignon was sentenced to six months in prison for favoritism and negligent misappropriation of public funds in the Elysée poll affair.