Sarkozy MP denounces 'outpouring of hate' towards Hollande
A French MP from Nicolas Sarkozy's opposition UMP party has denounced what he called “an outpouring of hate” towards President François Hollande.
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A piece published in Thursday’s Huffington Post written by Frédéric Lefebvre, who represents French voters living in North America, is entitled “Let’s respect our presidents, we chose them”.
“Yes, Mr President, I understand those who are angry with you for not keeping promises or, on the contrary those who are angry for keeping some of them. That is democratic debate”, writes Lefebvre.
But he goes on to say “No, Mr President, I will not accept the attacks, the insults to which you are subject.”
He does not give specific examples but most would agree that there is a general climate of anger surrounding politics in France today - even Hollande's own former collaborators have not held back from personal attacks.
Lefebvre says he has never appreciated “the outpouring of hate towards a man” whether or not he shares the same politics and he laments that opposition Socialist politicians did not show restraint when Nicolas Sarkozy when was president.
The MP is also strongly critical of those in his UMP party who suggest that if the current parliament is dissolved and the UMP wins a majority in new elections, the UMP should refuse to form a government, in a bid to force Hollande to resign.
He points out that Hollande was democratically elected only 2 years ago and declares that an attack on the president is an attack on France’s institutions.
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