TheControversy Over Gabriel Attal’s Campaign Flyer: A Stir in French Politics

A Surprising Sight in Cergy-Pontoise

On a chilly January evening in 2024, Marie Chancel Lherminier, a dedicated activist for the Renaissance party, was taken aback when a local party leader handed her a campaign flyer. The imagery on the leaflet left her stunned: Gabriel Attal, the party’s secretary general, was prominently featured in vibrant color, while Marine Le Pen and Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leaders of the National Rally (RN) and La France Insoumise (LFI), respectively, were depicted in muted gray tones. The flyer’s bold headline read, "No to Disorder," with a follow-up line: "Neither RN nor LFI. The Start Now!" Marie couldn’t help but wonder if this was the right approach. Was this how they intended to win over voters?

A Divide Within the Party

Marie’s reaction wasn’t isolated. François Casaussus-Builhe, a retired magistrate and party militant in Vienne, was equally perplexed. "What an idea! It looks like a Trump leaflet!" he exclaimed, drawing parallels to the divisive rhetoric often associated with the former U.S. president. His comments reflected a broader unease within the Renaissance party. Many members felt that the flyer’s aggressive tone and stark visual contrast between Attal and his opponents sent the wrong message. "Why make propaganda for our opponents?" Marie wondered aloud, recalling Emmanuel Macron’s repeated calls for unity and bipartisanship. The flyer, she argued, seemed to contradict those values.

Concerns About the Messaging

The flyer’s design and messaging sparked intense debate among party members. Critics pointed out that the vivid portrayal of Attal against the grayscale images of Le Pen and Mélenchon smacked of superiority. "It’s as if he’s better than everyone else," Marie said, her frustration evident. This perception worried activists who believed that such tactics could alienate potential supporters. "Macron has always said not to hurl insults at opponents," Marie reminded her colleagues, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive approach.

The Broader Implications of the Flyer

Beyond the immediate backlash, the flyer raised questions about the direction of the Renaissance party. By framing the election as a stark choice between order and chaos, the campaign risked polarizing voters and reinforcing divisions within French society. Some party members feared that this strategy could backfire, especially given Macron’s reputation for centrist policies. "We should be reaching out to all French people, not painting our opponents as villains," argued a local party leader in Yvelines, who opted not to distribute the controversial leaflet in their district.

A Contradiction in Strategy

The flyer’s release highlighted a growing tension within the Renaissance party. On one hand, there was a desire to assert Gabriel Attal’s leadership and present the party as a strong, cohesive force ahead of the 2027 presidential election. On the other hand, there was a concern that this approach might undermine the party’s image as a unifying force in French politics. Marie and others like her believed that the party’s strength lay in its ability to transcend partisan divides, not to deepen them.

The Impact on Voters and the Road Ahead

As the debate over the flyer continued, one thing became clear: the Renaissance party faced a critical moment of reflection. Would it continue down a path of bold, confrontational messaging, or would it return to the inclusive, bipartisan approach that had defined Macron’s early years in office? The answer to this question would not only shape the party’s future but also influence the broader political landscape in France. For now, activists like Marie and François remain hopeful that their voices will be heard and that the party will choose a path that unites rather than divides.