Wave of resignations at Renaissance Var: what was said during the crisis meeting this Monday evening

"Don't give the impression to opponents that we're at a standstill, because that's not the case." This is what emerged from the crisis videoconference of the Renaissance Var section this Monday evening, the day after the resignation of former En Marche MP Fabien Matras , elected departmental president after the defection of Mourad Boudjellal two years ago.

While some feared a " settling of scores " and others hoped to " burst the boil ," the two hours of discussions were " calmer than expected ," according to one of the participants: " We took the time to talk, everyone had a chance to speak ."

Among the sensitive points addressed, in addition to the hunt for the mole, is the letter from Anne Genetet and Prisca Thévenot, sent last Thursday.

The two general secretaries delegated to the departmental assemblies of Renaissance criticized Fabien Matras for the lack of "mobilization actions and events undertaken in the Var " and " several requests remaining unanswered ."

This has finally demotivated the person concerned, who is contesting the letter outright. " Many of us criticized this letter, which we considered abrupt," a local executive added. "A phone call would have been more pleasant ."

Contacted, Prisca Thévenot, justified this written reframing by the lack of communication from Fabien Matras (about whom she knew nothing before typing his name into Google).

And that of her team, whom her headquarters reportedly tried to contact, in vain. The former government spokesperson also reportedly offered, as early as Friday, to go to the Var " to help improve the functioning of the party locally " while she perceives " an extraordinary new dynamic " at the national level.

For her, " these chicayas are not up to the task, especially since the RN is lying in wait ."

She particularly disliked being likened, by a close friend of Fabien Matras, to an " intern " at the time of the creation of En Marche.

" These are misogynistic remarks that should have no place, especially in a progressive movement ," she denounces. "Okay, I didn't make a law, but volunteering to distribute leaflets is just as valid ."

Waiting for a new election

Back to Monday evening's videoconference. On the substance, Gilles Joannet, a potential candidate to succeed Fabien Matras, said he was ready to begin thinking about a new joint project and the replacement of future vacant seats (around ten) before considering the election of a new departmental president.

When contacted, he did not respond to our requests to expand on his arguments.

In any case, his option has not convinced the majority of other local officials, so a vote will have to be held in the coming weeks.

Rayann Mouslim, the departmental secretary who also resigned, is in charge. " I'm taking over the interim and then I'll hand over," said the candidate in the last legislative elections in the 8th constituency of Var. "The important thing is that things move quickly in view of the municipal elections. "

For his part, Maxime Robert, the party's current spokesperson and another contender for the Var presidency, indicated that "he was following in the footsteps of Fabien Matras," we are told. Without actually formalizing his candidacy, for the time being.

It remains to find a date and to frame the smooth running of the next internal election.

" All that's missing is for a candidate to have it invalidated ," says a Renaissance official ironically.

Meanwhile, what appears to be a new internal struggle has reopened wounds: " How can we be delighted with people's ability to deliberately sabotage Renaissance? " asks a party figure. "We are vulnerable enough not to add to it. "