Returned to trials for “corruption” and “trafficking in influence” in the Carlos Ghosn case, the Minister of Culture Rachida Dati replied by a verbal counterattack of rare intensity, affirming in particular that “there is a problem with justice”. Philippe Moreau-Chevrolet, expert in political communication, deciphers this aggressive defense strategy, inspired by American populist tactics.
What is the defense strategy chosen by Rachida Dati, since she has been accused in the Carlos Ghosn affair?
Philippe Moreau-Chevrolet : It is a 100 % populist strategy, like Donald Trump, with the aim of regaining control of his media image. She creates very violent sequences in form, where she positions herself as a victim. It is not new on the background, but this time there is a mixture of hyper-aggressiveness and even physical intimidation.
She intervened in the middle of a TV set, on LCI, during an analysis of a columnist. Why this intimidation?
It provokes the clash voluntarily. We crossed a milestone, it is unheard of at this level. She wants to regain control, appear strong to divert the attention of the alleged facts and refocus the debate on her personality. It is a kind of political judo: she returns the situation by leaving with an image of a fighter.
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Can this method work?
Its room for maneuver is narrow. If it is declared ineligible, everything collapses. And unlike Trump who had the support of a solid party and electorate, it is isolated. It depends on the will of Emmanuel Macron, who can disconnect it at any time. Its credibility with the conservative electorate is at stake. For the Paris town hall, it could be fatal to it.
Can this type of aggressive defense become widespread in politics?
This is already the case on an international scale. Political figures are increasingly adopting this model: denunciation of a supposed conspiracy, attacks institutions … Pressing his defense on denial, it has existed for a long time – as in the Fillon affair – but he was not in intimidation. There, we enter another register. Personalities become more sulphurous. “
Are French voters receptive to this aggressive posture?
They no longer believe too much about the posture of a victim or the plot. But they can be sensitive to ultra-combative behaviors like that of Dati, saying: ‘She will be able to defend us.’ His closing personality can be perceived as more interesting, more entertaining. We are entering a form of politics-spectacle. This is what she seeks to do. But I’m not sure that the French public is ready for that.