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Gérald Darmanin’s Retreat to the Smoking Room
In the fall of 2024, Gérald Darmanin, once a prominent figure in French politics, found himself in a markedly different setting. He had withdrawn his tie and made his appointments at the smoking room, a Parisian institution close to the Louvre. This cozy bar, where he had once worked as a server during his student days, offered a nostalgic and more relaxed environment. Darmanin, who had been a minister for seven years, handling public accounts and the interior, was now no longer in the government after Michel Barnier took over at Matignon. Sitting at the bar, he tried to intersperse his conversation with a playful remark, "Idleness is the mother of all vices," attempting to mask his underlying frustration and bitterness with a jovial tone.
The Vertigo of Transition
Despite his efforts to appear laid-back, the reality of his situation weighed heavily on Darmanin. The abrupt halt to his ministerial trajectory was a source of deep vertigo for him. He had been at the heart of the state for years, and the transition back to a more peripheral role was not easy. As he confided in some of his interlocutors, the Greatest concern was how to maintain his political identity in the "central block" that now extended to the Les Républicains (LR) party. The fear of being absorbed and eventually disappearing from the political landscape was palpable. Darmanin was visibly worried about the future, feeling a sense of existential threat to his career and influence.
The Bitter Reality
During these conversations, Darmanin’s friends observed that he was somewhat depressed. He had spent a decade in power, and the many unfulfilled expectations were taking a toll. The gulf between his aspirations and the current reality was stark. Darmanin, known for his sharp wit and strategic acumen, was now grappling with the unexpected adversity. His concern was not just personal; it was also about the broader political landscape and the challenges it posed for him to remain relevant.
The Presidential Dilemma
The upcoming presidential election loomed large in Darmanin’s mind. After ten years in power, the landscape was crowded with candidates, each vying for attention and influence. Darmanin wondered how he could carve out a significant role in the election, especially given the intense competition and the high expectations from his former constituents. The question was daunting: how could he stand out and make a meaningful impact without the support and platform he once enjoyed?
A Time for Reflection
Amid the turmoil, Darmanin recognized the need for self-reflection. "It requires a little questioning …!" he admitted, acknowledging the depth of the introspection he was undergoing. This period of reflection was crucial for him to reassess his goals, strategies, and the direction he wanted to take in his political career. The smoking room, with its convivial atmosphere, provided a backdrop for these soul-searching conversations, where he could candidly discuss his worries and plans with trusted friends.
Looking Forward
Despite the challenges, Darmanin remained determined. The political game is not for the faint of heart, and he was not one to be easily discouraged. He saw the transition as a moment to recharge, to refine his political message, and to build a new strategy. With the presidential election on the horizon, he knew that his future would depend on how effectively he could navigate this new phase. The smoking room, a place of both solace and strategy, would be a starting point in his journey to reclaim his political prominence.
