Why are there no Avengers in politics?
Blog, 27/06/2023, by Sven Franck
Last week, Bernard Cazeneuve officially launched La Convention as he implicitly staked his claim as presidential candidate and leader to reunite the left behind a more pink interpretation of social democracy. He's neither the first to announce his ambitions nor will he not be the last: whether its Xavier Bertrand with Nous France on the right or in a few days Raphael Glucksmann with Place Publique - a year before the european elections and with most eyes already set on 2027, French politics restarts its perpetual search for the equivalent of the voice - the one personality to unite the country and become its quintessential leader.
A constitution to keep a president in check
We've been doing this since the 5th republic was created to provide our presidents absolute majorities and far reaching powers that go well beyond democracies in other European countries. For better or, judging by this quinquennat, for the worse? We can't deny that we are beginning to see the shortcomings of our constitution, which allows a president to circumpass parliament and many of the safety nets a country should have to ensure checks and balances protect both citizens and institutions. Whether or not you like the pension reform, the way it was passed creates a precedent for future leaders to impose their political agenda - even with a minority in parliament. The Italian constitution keeps President Meloni in check. The french constitution will exacerbate any nationalist or extremist agenda. The writing is on the wall of the Élysée: imagine Melenchon cutting ties with Europe or even worse Marine LePen taking over in 2027.
One person to rule them all?
The message is clear: not only does the republican front need new reinforcements and political renewal to increase the possibilities of building stable majorities. But also that we may have passed the expiration date of electing a single person to unite the country and lead us. I am baffled at the responses of electors voting for Marine LePen because she is a woman and because she looks presidential on a poster. I would like to know where a president will lead us. It does not seem to be the promised land with Emmanuel Macron. And I fear it will be into a wall or off of a cliff in 2027 with either of the extremist candidates.
And I feel I am not alone. Abstentions speak volumes: our presidential democracy and electing one leader no longer seems to represent large parts of the society - especially our younger generations. Is it surprising? There is so much at stake and society is so complex today that it is difficult to imagine a consensual person emerging to rule us all and provide answers to our varied expectations. Worse: the search for the "One" does not favor the most consensual candidate but the most vocal and conflictual. It is a pity, we are no longer able to rally behind political ideas. We have to pick a personality, for better or worse. And with war on Europe's doorsteps and populism getting comfortable on our couch, there is too much at stake. In 2027 but also already in next year's European elections.
What do Hulk and Bernard Cazeneuve have in common?
Sadly today, politics is often not far from entertainment and worse, we fail to be inspired from the entertainment industry. The rise of boy bands in the 80s is emblematic of where society has been heading. Whether New Kids on the Block or K-Pop bands today, the successful formula is to work in groups without a clear cut leader, purposefully assembled to represent and appeal to the diversity of society. The same happened in the movie industry. Superman and Batman had their individual franchises in the 80s and 90s. Today, they work together in the Justice League. Same for the Avengers, who unite characters from the Hulk to Spiderman when faced with existential threats.
With our planet and our democracy each facing existential threats in climate change and the extreme right we should seriously ask ourselves whether one superhero is sufficient? Just as Hulk will predominantly appeal to a certain audience, Cazeneuve will also only speak to a certain electorate. Will it be enough? Or do we need the equivalent of the Avengers in politics? One party and personality to speak to youth. One to speak to Europeans. One to disappointed Macronists. The magic bullet is called a coalition. It's a winning formula in most European countries. It often unites parties across the left and right. And it's high time to create one for the European elections in France. The proportional ballot allows putting multiple "superheroes" forward and it is the last chance to start debunking the necessity of personal cults ahead of 2027. Politicians: Assemble !