French Political Figures Address Declining Civility and Leadership Quality
Political leaders and commentators voice concerns over declining civility and leadership quality in France at the Assises du civisme.
Key Points
- • Bruno Retailleau highlights societal decay at Assises du civisme.
- • Ifop study shows increased aggression and decreased civility among French citizens.
- • Franz-Olivier Giesbert critiques the mediocrity of political leadership today.
- • Emmanuel Macron's leadership is questioned amid calls for stronger figures.
On June 25, 2025, a significant gathering took place at the first Assises du civisme, where prominent political figures addressed growing concerns about declining civility and the perceived mediocrity of political leadership in France. Bruno Retailleau, the newly appointed leader of the Republicans (LR), underscored the seriousness of this issue by suggesting that society is experiencing 'ensauvagement'—a term he attributed to shifts that began with the 1968 movements, leading to diminishing norms of behavior among citizens.
Retailleau’s remarks were part of an event that attracted notable attendees such as former Prime Minister Edouard Philippe and David Lisnard, the president of the Association of Mayors of France. The gathering served as a platform to present an Ifop study, titled 'Les Français et le civisme', which indicated alarming trends: a notable rise in aggressive behaviors and a decline in politeness among the French populace, a reflection of a broader moral panic within political circles about societal conditions (ID: 8107).
Alongside discussions of civility, Franz-Olivier Giesbert, a well-known political commentator, offered his critique of the current political landscape in France during an interview with Nice-Presse. Giesbert lamented that the quality of political leadership has reached a new low, suggesting that the atmosphere created by media scrutinies deters capable individuals from entering politics. He labeled recent political figures, particularly those associated with Emmanuel Macron, as lacking substantive qualities, referring to his deputies as 'députés Playmobil'—implying they are mere puppets with no real depth (ID: 8095).
Giesbert's commentary extended beyond current officials; he placed this mediocrity within a historical context, noting parallels with past crises during the Fourth Republic and the social unrest of May 68. He criticized Macron as intelligent yet lacking conviction and directional vision, contributing to a governance style that is perceived as overly cautious (ID: 8095).
This combination of critiques from both Retailleau and Giesbert highlights a deep-seated anxiety among French political leaders regarding the fabric of civil society and the quality of leadership today, suggesting an urgent need for a reassessment of political values and priorities in France.