Baron noir (2016–…): Season 3, Episode 8 - Ahou! - full transcript
Yes, my only authority was
the President herself.
I was her "Mr. Anti-terrorism."
I coordinated...
...all the services that...
-Sorry.
-Take your time, Mr. Lambray.
Thank you.
-I imagine you see Ms. Dorendeu often?
-Almost every day.
At that time,
she seemed preoccupied, well...
more precisely, dominated,
by intense anxiety.
Dominated is a strong word. Was her
judgment affected by this anxiety?
Hold on.
It is not a personal opinion.
The President confided in me
about her fears of not being up to it,
of not making the right choices,
of being overwhelmed by the situation.
Was it the case the day the President
asked you to proceed
with three illegal assassinations
on French soil?
-Yes.
-What did you think?
That we were beyond the rule of law.
Completely.
Something isn't clear...
Why did you stay in your job and accept
the role of Secretary General?
What stopped you from leaving?
To protect the State,
you remain at your post.
But not anymore?
Ms. Lapix, my priority is
to protect the State.
I am speaking out on the day that we all
discovered the revelations
on the UN seat scandal.
I realized
that it wasn't just one decision
in a particular set of circumstances.
There is the expression:
"Two dots make a line."
The handling of the country's affairs
cannot be held hostage
by a solitary, impulsive power.
I had to speak the truth.
You were, until your resignation,
Secretary General at the Élysée.
You are aware of the legal and political
consequences of your decision.
We are between rounds
of the presidential election.
-Your words could change its course.
-I trust in our country's institutions.
They will make a decision
according to the rule of law.
Yes, hello?
-I wanted to say thank you, Jacques.
-Madam President...
It's unbelievable!
Lambray was her right-hand man.
Philippe, "who", "why" and "how"
are of no consequence.
-Did you hear it?
-What?
The sound of history
knocking at the door.
We're still in the fog, Michel.
The Constitutional Council
has taken control.
So, there are only two theories:
Either the sages maintain
the second round
and a visionary will lead France,
or they decide to impeach Dorendeu,
-and anything is possible.
-Mercier will be in a strong position.
Except if the left unites
for the first round.
-You've always been against that.
-Philippe, let's call a spade a spade.
There is only one candidate capable
of uniting the left. It's you.
Who else could do it?
History has come to drag you out of bed.
Not me, or anyone else.
You withdrew your candidacy
in the name of the union,
you announced the debacle.
I want to see Dupraz, Léo
and all the other idiots
get cleaned out along with Mercier.
As it all depends on you,
I hope you have a solid plan.
How about calling on all MPs cross-party
for one candidate in the first round?
Good. Do you have a name?
Plans always need names.
"The Undivided."
With Véro as the first signatory.
Very well. I'll think of a few
more ideas. I'll call back soon.
-Michel, wait.
-Yes?
-Thank you.
-If you don't beat him,
you will be publicly executed
and I'll be the executioner.
I spent a long time
looking for a successor.
But in politics,
a successor can't be chosen.
It is when they impose themselves
that you realize.
-To Philippe!
-To Philippe!
Declare the President unfit
to stand for office?
Six days before the second round?
We will be criticized
for political interference.
My recommendation is simple:
come to one's senses
and do absolutely nothing.
I invite our esteemed colleague
to read Article 58.
The Constitutional Council ensures the
legality of the President's election.
We do not judge the election,
we regulate it.
Doing nothing would be a breach of duty,
and dare I say it, cowardly.
As president, I must remind you
that time is of the essence.
Let us return to the crux
of the problem, Article 7.
As I said, I am less than delighted
with the wording of Article 7,
but it is what it is.
The word "impeachment" is not defined.
Madness could therefore be
a legitimate reason for impeachment.
Be careful, taking control
was necessary, but here,
I must say proceed with caution!
How is madness observed?
Do you want to examine the President?
By whom?
Under what procedure? Show caution.
I'd like to add that madness
and hysteria
are eternally sexist accusations
to keep women from power.
Moreover, it was a man
at the origin of such a statement.
There have only been three
destitution cases due to madness:
Ludwig II of Bavaria, King George III
and President Deschanel.
All men, as far as I know.
Deschanel resigned
from political pressure!
As for his so-called madness,
Clémenceau, his greatest enemy,
even expressed serious doubts
about the diagnosis.
It would be prudent to remember
before deciding.
Could we hear the opinion of the only
former president to be present?
I'm listening. I'm listening.
Wild smoked salmon,
haddock fillets, bottarga,
crab claws from Kamchatka.
After an 11-hour conclave, we will
no doubt arrive at that tragic moment
when, tormented by hunger, someone
suggests ordering sushi or pizza.
Well, tonight, I am offering
gastronomic asylum.
-That must've been expensive.
-My treat.
Personal expenses.
After campaigning for six months,
we deserve the best.
As we helplessly wait for the white
smoke, let's not torture ourselves.
We are helpless when we wish to be.
I will win on Sunday
against the Austrian.
I won't let them cancel the election
without a word.
The Constitutional Council is not holy.
It is the supreme leader
of the oligarchy.
-Announce a coup d'état.
-First, it must be stopped.
Other than laying siege to the Council,
it seems complicated.
Not a siege.
We don't have weapons anyway.
We could call for people to resist,
to shout through the old fools' windows.
-Peacefully.
-Bad idea.
Do you know what killed
the nationalist right?
-Vichy didn't help.
-There were also
nationalist patriots in the Resistance.
No. The key date is 6 February 1934.
The protest at Place de la Concorde.
Cross of Fire, French Action,
The King's Camelots.
It started out peacefully too.
It turned into a riot
when the protesters surrounded
the Palais Bourbon shouting:
"Death to the Republic!"
Over 30 dead, 2,000 injured.
Since then,
we've been classed as putschists.
The French are grouchy,
but they like order.
-So we let it happen?
-Yes.
And we win the second election.
Christophe, it would be
counterproductive
to call for anything
that would place you outside the law.
-Your story is a bit dated.
-The end is enlightening.
June 1936. Before 6 February 1934,
the right had a clear path.
The left wasn't communicating.
But the threat of a "fascist putsch"
forced a union.
Two years later, Blum leads
the Popular Front government.
Dividing the left is our life insurance.
Don't give them any reason to unite.
Very interesting, Lionel.
-No news?
-Live leaks from a Council meeting?
-No. And that's good!
-It feels wrong.
-They must decide Amélie's impeachment.
-Then why is it taking so long?
Evening, Aurore.
I hope it isn't too late?
-Not at all.
-I need your opinion.
Can we twiddle our thumbs
while a coup d'état is happening
under our nose?
We'd need to mobilize the public, but...
I'll be accused of threatening
the Republic. That's why I'm calling.
Could you organize
a spontaneous mobilization?
No signs, banners or placards.
So we won't get accused.
If I press the button,
people will flock there.
Brilliant! Light the kindling
and the media will do the rest.
That will attract others.
We won't be able to avoid
the black bloc.
Probably not. It has become routine.
What can we do?
People feel that violence is
the only way to change things.
But I refuse to get involved
with Chalon's followers.
Bring on sortition.
Your squabbles are tiresome.
I'm not kidding, Christophe.
Can you see a repeat
of 6 February 1934?
Chalon's friends are loose cannons.
It will only be you.
I need you, Aurore.
You can count on me.
I'll handle it.
Thank you, Aurore.
I'll let you get to work.
Hold your position!
Final warning!
...very quickly, peaceful protesters
were joined by violent gangs
intending to confront the riot police.
It appears to be the black bloc,
although they are difficult
to distinguish.
-What do you think?
-I'd say that it works in our favor.
The Council won't take kindly
to violent pressure.
In theory. But they could freak out.
How does a judge think
in such a situation?
It is out of control. Dammit!
...or a tragedy. Here, police officers
respond to the black bloc harassment...
-Salomé, are you okay?
-Not really.
-Can I stay here?
-What's wrong, sweetheart?
-Nothing. Is anyone hurt?
-Given the violence...
-What an idiot!
-Who?
Lucie. We had a fight
because I told her not to go.
That it'd get worse,
but she doesn't care. So I left.
-Good decision, sweetie.
-Did she get a call up?
-Do you know who from?
-I don't know.
This is organized. In the middle
of the night. Spontaneous, my ass!
Dad, stop. Who cares about who or what?
She's my girlfriend!
If she chooses Mercier over you,
then you deserve better.
You did the right thing.
The preparatory work
for the constitutional law
of 18 June 1976 shows
that we moved
from a version of Article 7,
which stated:
"unfit to participate in the campaign",
to a more general version,
so impeachment is no longer defined.
Therefore "being impeached" covers
all eventualities:
illness, an attack,
capture, civil unrest...
"Civil unrest?"
That's what this is, right?
I do not possess your expert knowledge,
but as a former president,
I have some experience
in managing state affairs.
A simple question:
do you believe that maintaining
the second round will restore
public order?
That calm will return?
That the victor will be able to govern
in a peaceful democracy?
I agree.
The second round would be
the starting point of a long period
of instability, whoever wins.
Imagine that the second round is upheld.
If Ms. Dorendeu is re-elected, her
authority will be seriously affected.
A destitution procedure will no doubt
be triggered soon after her election.
So, instability...
and the collapse of state authority
would make it impossible to govern.
If Mr. Mercier wins, they'll say
it was thanks to a timely scandal.
But his authority will be
just as contested.
In that case... it is clear
that the second round is tainted.
Our role is neither commenting
on the supposed psychological state
of Ms. Dorendeu,
nor on the intention of Mr. Mercier to
implement sortition if he were to win.
Our duty is ensuring
that democracy functions properly.
However, Mr. Lambray's revelation
is harmful
to the peace of this election campaign
and will potentially affect
the integrity of the vote.
In these circumstances,
Ms. Dorendeu is not in a position
to participate in an election
and must be impeached.
The Council confirms the fulfillment
of conditions set out in Article 7,
paragraph 8, of the Constitution,
concerning the impeachment
of one of the candidates
standing in the second round.
Under these provisions,
the second round of the presidential
election is canceled.
The current election campaign
ceases immediately.
All electoral operations
must be restarted
in order to elect the president.
The first round of this new election
will be held in 35 days,
starting from today.
Thirty-five days.
But it's totally insane!
With no mistakes, in 48 or 72 hours,
Philippe could be the candidate chosen
by all left-wing parties.
This time, we have Vidal's blessing.
Here's what you can do...
Fellow citizens, after deep reflection,
given the gravity of the situation,
I have decided to stand as a candidate
in the presidential election.
The decision of the Constitutional
Council applies to me,
as it applies to us all.
I have therefore decided, from today,
to terminate the duties
bestowed upon me.
These will be undertaken
by Mr. Étienne Falloux,
President of the Senate,
in compliance with our Constitution.
I thank my team and collaborators
who selflessly dedicated themselves
to serving their country.
It is not for me to assess my actions.
But I take responsibility
for my decisions
as I believed they were all
in the best interests of France
and the French people.
That is the role
with which I was entrusted.
-Lionel! Lionel, wait! Lionel!
-Don't tire yourself out.
I am running.
It will be official in an hour.
It's a mistake. You announced
your support for Christophe.
Your score will drop.
You could fall to 14.
-I don't care. Mercier betrayed me.
-How?
The chaos at the Council.
I'm not a fool!
He planned it with Dupraz,
after happily eating my salmon,
after I told him it was idiotic!
The leftists don't need orders
to cause a riot.
-You'll lose your influence.
-If I weren't running, I'd have some?
He walked all over me. He's a jerk
and a dictator in the making.
The balance of power makes an impact.
So I'm running. End of story.
Philippe! Philippe!
THE STRENGTH OF THE REPUBLIC
Philippe! Philippe!
#THEUNDIVIDED WITH RICKWAERT
Rickwaert, president!
Rickwaert, president!
Thank you! Good evening!
Let me just check something.
Are there socialists here tonight?
SOCIALISTS WITH RICKWAERT
Are there any ecologists?
THE GREENS WITH RICKWAERT
Are there any communists?
Are The People Stand Up here?
Together! Together, united!
Together, together, united!
It's going well, I have the left.
Vidal's giving a lot.
He's holding rallies, playing along.
-Mirmont tried to join.
-Don't make any pacts with him.
And definitely not with Thorigny.
A democratic front would validate
Mercier's theories.
The united front of establishment,
against him, the resistance.
With Chalon in the mix,
Mercier won't be so high.
At most, I'll need five points.
I risked making this meeting
because if you keep going, you'll lose.
-I'm focused on the basics.
-Forget that!
The only thing that counts is
assassinating me.
In your rallies, you skim over me.
I am the system.
I am the traitor who wanted to sell off
France's international position.
I broke the law
by reinstating the death penalty.
I'm radioactive.
Don't spare me.
To win, you have to shatter me
with all your might.
-Otherwise, this was pointless.
-I know.
Then why are we here?
With your impeachment idea,
did I try to avoid things?
Keep up your end of the bargain!
Tear me to pieces.
-Don't hold back, annihilate me!
-Stop!
Fine.
-I'll do it.
-Good.
-Are you sleeping? You look tired.
-I'm hardy.
You must sleep and eat. Your body is
your temple. Take care of it.
-Are you sleeping?
-Concentrate on winning.
I'll take care of the rest.
Go first. I'll wait 15 minutes.
You never know.
See you soon, Amélie.
-What's that?
-Close your eyes.
You can open them.
THE STRENGTH OF THE REPUBLIC
Don't you like it?
-It looks like Mitterrand in 1981.
-That's intentional.
-Man of the union, man of victory.
-It isn't very modern.
Modernism was never one of your markers.
Some things are embedded in your image.
Try as we might,
three weeks isn't enough.
-What are my markers?
-Experience, courage, solidity.
"Strength." We can trigger that.
Deep down, it's already there.
"Republic" is the antithesis
of selection by lot.
Okay, it works well.
Your face says differently.
-I saw Amélie.
-What?
Are you totally insane?
It was ultra-secure with a double entry.
Nothing is ultra-secure.
Damn your recklessness!
She organized it. Should I have said no?
And treat her like a leper too?
-What did she want?
-The same as you.
That I lay into her, ruthlessly.
The only thing to worry about
is the country.
You have 20 days.
Every minute counts.
What counts right now is
you taking it easy.
Apparently so.
-Was this your bedroom?
-It still is.
It has the best view of the garden.
-Is that you?
-I was just a kid.
My political education happened here.
I devoured thousands of books.
-Of course. Jaurès, Blum...
-No.
Ainsi soit-elle by Benoîte Groult,
The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan,
Du côté des petites filles by Belotti,
A Frozen Woman by Annie Ernaux.
Of course, Beauvoir, The Second Sex.
Those feminists made me who I am.
The only thing that pulled me away
was when my grandma
let me drive the Méhari.
-She had a Méhari?
-It's still here.
Great! So we'll get to drive it then!
There is a shortcut through the wood.
It's so beautiful.
They're stuck. They're gonna be pissed!
-I think it's them.
-Put it on speakerphone.
Gents, if you go back on the main road,
a few miles down on the right,
you'll see a big cross.
We'll see you there in ten minutes.
I deserve ten minutes of freedom, right?
Listen carefully, friends.
They are all the same!
Well... Some are worse than others.
Take Mr. Rickwaert, for example!
You'd think he was the mold
that made the rest.
Like a stem cell!
Who proposes to re-establish order?
A convicted felon, Rickwaert!
It isn't aboveboard.
What kind of Republic are we living in?
The order of priorities!
For me: the French come first.
Yes, the French come first!
They come first
because this is their country.
-This is our country!
-It is our turn.
Who else? Rickwaert's left?
Whose only policy is always
more immigration?
This is our country!
This is our country!
As Dorendeu was destined to lose,
the system dismissed her.
But who will replace her?
Her twin, Rickwaert!
They were close. They were together
in the Socialist Party.
And, so it seems,
in their private life too...
A small closed group.
A world among themselves!
I get the feeling
you're waiting for someone.
Just as well, as he is on his way!
Not long now. He is among us!
Please welcome, Philippe Rickwaert!
Thank you.
Dear friends... my ears are ringing.
I can hear some bad music.
Can you hear what they are trying to do?
-Yes!
-I will tell you the truth.
Mercier is the result
of Amélie Dorendeu!
That's what happens
when you mix up right from left.
Everything gets blurred.
The seeds of confusion are planted.
You end up with a confused madman!
I'm not sure we have time
before the end of the world
to make a list of the damage
Dorendeu did to the left.
To France, and to politics!
Ten, nine, eight, seven, six,
five, four, three, two, one...
It is 8 o'clock. Going head-to-head
in the second round are
Christophe Mercier
and Philippe Rickwaert.
The scores are on your screen:
40.7% on one side, 24.1 on the other.
The gap's magnitude is surprising
with 17 points separating them.
You have to go far back in history
to find a similar difference...
You were at 26, you ended with 24.
You got your score.
Chalon got siphoned. He got 9%.
The fascists voted for Mercier.
Hence his 40%. You did nothing wrong.
You had a great campaign.
Michel is right. With Chalon at nine,
Mercier doesn't have votes on hand.
Boudard's 23 is good for you.
They're still republicans.
-What were the scores in 1974?
-Good example. Mitterrand had over 43%.
That didn't stop Giscard from winning.
-The first poll.
-Nonsense. The campaign hasn't started.
-Fifty-two for Mercier.
-Forget that, it's bullshit!
-The debate is what counts.
-Yes, in 1974, it won it for Giscard.
Absolutely. "You don't have a monopoly
on the heart! You don't have it."
TAKE BACK CONTROL
Citizens! What is your profession?
AGAINST ELECTORAL FUNDAMENTALISM,
LONG LIVE SORTITION
Enough! I can't read this shit.
I need to provoke him.
That'll enrage him and show him for
what he is: a dictator in the making.
Why not "Vote for me,
because he's a baddie."
We're asking people to vote
to block him.
It's still the beaver strategy,
but it was shot down.
Why did it get shot down?
Got anything better?
No, we have nothing!
Do you want to change our methods?
Vidal offered to meet with you.
Will I call him?
I need Amélie.
She prepared for the same debate.
The two of us can do it.
Stop, Philippe. It's impossible.
She was the first woman
to become president.
And what is her legacy?
A madwoman, a liar.
A criminal.
I don't know anyone more dedicated
to their country.
She has to live with the insults,
the hatred, the dishonor...
...until her dying day.
You can't live like that.
Nobody can.
She asked me for one thing: to win.
I can't even give her that!
You can. Otherwise,
she would have lost herself.
Everyone was kissing Mercier's ass
to keep his jackass voters happy.
What's the analysis?
The guy will win!
So we need a different approach.
A brass knuckle punch to the face.
Many voters find Mercier intriguing,
but they are undecided.
If you treat them like idiots,
it won't get you far.
I have to be Rickwaert.
The people want Rickwaert, the boxer!
It'll please your voters.
But nothing more.
So the teacher thinks
he's a supreme being?
You'll see, he won't last two rounds.
He sits down, I hit him!
He does his intro, I hit him!
I insult him, I hit him!
NO CALLER ID
It'll be fine, Philippe.
You know it like the back of your hand.
You don't need advice.
-Yes, I do.
-You must be yourself, of course.
But when they see you,
people have to feel something new.
The truth of a man.
His sincerity, his profoundness,
his density.
They have to meet their president
for the first time.
Three, two...
Good evening, all, and welcome
to Christophe Mercier
and Philippe Rickwaert.
-And to you, Laurence.
-Evening, Natalie.
Welcome to the pre-second round debate.
For the first time,
you both wanted a totally free debate,
without pre-established subjects.
For two hours, you can give
the nation the opportunity
to better understand your ideas.
Our role will be to ensure
equal time for both speakers
and a fair exchange.
Without further ado:
after this campaign,
and five days before the nation votes,
what is your state of mind?
Christophe Mercier, first.
I am touched by the determination
of the French people.
As on Sunday,
we will slay the system, peacefully.
Despite the manipulation, intimidation,
and a preventive coup d'état.
I have said this
throughout the campaign:
this system is an electoral system.
It is the cause of all injustice.
It guarantees lies
and allows corruption.
It generates powerlessness and organizes
the abuse of power by a small elite,
including you, Mr. Rickwaert, as its
most characteristic representative.
MP, mayor, minister. You got
the royal treatment at every level.
You've taken part in every palace coup,
so well that your criminal record
is the tip of the iceberg
of the damage you did to the country.
And additionally,
to the ideals you claim to defend.
After such an attack,
your response, Philippe Rickwaert.
Mr. Mercier...
Firstly, I'd like to congratulate you.
You ran a great campaign.
You defended your position.
To unite people, you created a movement.
To succeed, you had to plot and scheme.
Sometimes, getting rid of obstacles
blocking your path.
I think Mr. Chalon remembers it clearly.
You also had to bend
some of your own beliefs.
As you are a candidate in an election,
even though you want to abolish them.
In sum, you are a politician.
And a very talented one at that.
I am proud to debate
with you this evening.
Mr. Rickwaert, please answer
his question.
How many?
4.6% are employees. The Assembly is
not representative enough.
And no laborers among MPs.
Despite 30% of employees
and 20% of laborers in France.
Selection by lot would guarantee
that representation.
What matters is what we think,
what we say and what we want.
A bourgeois can serve the interests
of the most humble.
Victor Hugo, Jean Jaurès,
Léon Blum, the list goes on.
Some heavy smokers have healthy lungs,
so it's pointless fighting addiction.
That's what you're saying.
You defend the undefendable.
The exception cannot prove the rule,
Mr. Rickwaert.
The people will decide, not me!
-I said it throughout the campaign...
-Please, this is a debate.
Mr. Rickwaert is three minutes behind.
Go on.
We have debated for an hour.
You've been hiding your convictions
behind the people.
People will notice, Mr. Mercier.
My only conviction is
that the people have the power,
-without intermediaries...
-But...
-...without professionals...
-Message received.
What about the death penalty? Climate
change? Education? Who are you?
-What do you believe?
-It doesn't matter.
Your beliefs don't matter?
I voted for the first time in 1981.
For beliefs.
Sharing of wealth, social justice...
Two years later, in 1983,
those convictions
had changed completely.
Beliefs do not matter,
as power changes them.
I'm not asking the people to vote
for my convictions,
but to vote for themselves, directly.
Hold on, Mr. Mercier. I don't understand
your criteria for selection.
Why not randomly select according to
ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation?
-Have I ever proposed such a thing?
-You haven't.
But those selected by lot could do it.
They would see your logic through
to the end.
-No, we'd have to implement a safeguard.
-A safeguard.
So those randomly selected cannot decide
everything for themselves.
I hope you aren't making false promises
like a vulgar, irresponsible politician?
The election allows the wealthy
to buy power
by helping their preferred candidates
through campaign financing
and media propaganda.
-No demagoguery!
-For pity's sake.
Sometimes, the left gets into power.
How do you explain the 35-hour week,
paid leave, Universal Health Coverage?
As a security measure, sometimes,
the system concedes a few measly scraps.
The left's job is to be like a valve.
Like tonight, it's your turn.
You're the system's ruse.
Like a conspiracy within a conspiracy.
What if you were the system's ruse,
stopping me from getting into power,
from increasing wages,
improving public services,
and pushing the market society back?
Along with my left-wing politics,
I will be costly for the wealthy.
But you, you're a godsend for them.
Sortition replaces elections,
and therefore, politics.
But what took social gains
from the dominant?
Politics.
So tonight, it seems the candidate
for the rich...
...is you.
That is why I want to conclude
by simply saying:
trust in yourself. In us.
We are capable of governing ourselves.
Let's take back control
of our own destiny
by saying Yes to a democracy
worthy of its name.
We are the great nation that is France.
On Sunday, we have a date with history.
Thank you, Mr. Mercier.
Mr. Rickwaert, your conclusion.
Tonight, we have been at odds
with each other.
That's politics. Clashing ideas,
opposing world views,
so that the people can form
an opinion and choose.
Tonight, I believe
we have been dignified.
But the great debate we just had
was made possible by the election.
Why debate if we have selection by lot?
Deep down, what defines the French?
Our culture, our literature,
our scenery,
our social system, our history.
Yes, all that defines who we are,
but our soul is in politics.
We are the political people
who, after capturing the Bastille, said:
politics is the people's business.
Debating ideas creates that.
Others imitated us,
and they were right to.
Politics, for us as French people, is
a way of transmitting, making a society.
It links us to our past,
to a continuity.
Politics is France's middle name,
our identity.
As president, I would guarantee it.
Fellow citizens...
if you dislike your representatives,
make them lose and replace them.
If that isn't sufficient, get involved
and change the parties from within.
If you are still unsatisfied,
do as Mr. Mercier did.
Create your own party
and stand in an election.
Get involved in politics,
but don't abolish it.
The Revolution was a fight
against divine right.
Don't establish a power
that hides behind the gods of chance
to rob us of our freedom.
My final word will be a vow.
Our great debate mustn't be the last
under any circumstances.
Long live politics and long live France!
Hello there.
-Hi, how are you?
-Hello.
Here.
Number 873,
Mr. Rickwaert Philippe, Antoine, Paul.
-Can vote.
-Mr. Rickwaert!
-Mr. Rickwaert!
-Mrs. Rickwaert!
-Over here!
-Mr. Rickwaert!
Voted.
CONFIDENTIAL. FIRST EST. IN 5 MIN.
You won. Three institutes give
the same figure.
Around 51.
-It won't change?
-No, it won't.
You won.
It is almost 8 o'clock.
There are just ten seconds left
before we find out who is
the new President of the Republic.
Now, here is the result
of the presidential election.
-Two, one...
-And Philippe Rickwaert
has been elected
President of the Republic
with 50.9% of the vote.
We have won!
We have won!
To the Republic, to France
and to your new life.
It's empty.
I'll just pop to the village.
Can't you ask your bodyguard?
I didn't when I was president
and I won't start now.
-They have to go with you anyway.
-That is their job.
I'll be back in five minutes.
No, Philippe will talk at the Bastille.
Yes, it's getting close.
At the Bastille, as is tradition.
Yes. Bye.
About Philippe's speech,
have you read it?
-No, he always improvises anyway.
-Véro!
Why?
The legislative elections are
in five weeks.
You are the main opponent.
You never abandon your troops...
-Nobody likes a bad loser.
-I didn't lose.
I was robbed,
along with all those who want change.
There was a coup d'état
and I have to congratulate him?
You brought together 16 million voters!
You belong to them now.
You represent them.
You can't let them down.
You're their leader.
A leader never sulks.
A leader stands strong,
facing the wind.
-Bravo.
-Thank you.
-Congratulations!
-Thanks. Thanks a lot.
Mr. President!
Mr. President,
Mr. Mercier is on the phone.
Thank you.
Good evening, Mr. Mercier.
I have been told
that republican courtesy
demands the loser
to congratulate the victor.
Thank you.
You were a strong opponent.
Your Republic only imitates democracy.
And its courtesies just grease
the system.
I will therefore not congratulate you.
You are not my opponent,
but an enemy.
An enemy of the people.
This election is a sham.
Hello?
What?
You have the right to contest.
This isn't a dictatorship.
A coup d'état brought you power.
You are not legitimate.
You have no right over the State
or its prerogatives.
You will end up like your Dorendeu,
despised by all,
and buried by shame and disgrace.
Enjoy your presidency, Mr. Rickwaert!
Amélie...
My dear Philippe,
of course, you will do as you please,
and I am sure that is for the best.
But if my experience
as president can be of use,
keep in mind the following advice...
the President herself.
I was her "Mr. Anti-terrorism."
I coordinated...
...all the services that...
-Sorry.
-Take your time, Mr. Lambray.
Thank you.
-I imagine you see Ms. Dorendeu often?
-Almost every day.
At that time,
she seemed preoccupied, well...
more precisely, dominated,
by intense anxiety.
Dominated is a strong word. Was her
judgment affected by this anxiety?
Hold on.
It is not a personal opinion.
The President confided in me
about her fears of not being up to it,
of not making the right choices,
of being overwhelmed by the situation.
Was it the case the day the President
asked you to proceed
with three illegal assassinations
on French soil?
-Yes.
-What did you think?
That we were beyond the rule of law.
Completely.
Something isn't clear...
Why did you stay in your job and accept
the role of Secretary General?
What stopped you from leaving?
To protect the State,
you remain at your post.
But not anymore?
Ms. Lapix, my priority is
to protect the State.
I am speaking out on the day that we all
discovered the revelations
on the UN seat scandal.
I realized
that it wasn't just one decision
in a particular set of circumstances.
There is the expression:
"Two dots make a line."
The handling of the country's affairs
cannot be held hostage
by a solitary, impulsive power.
I had to speak the truth.
You were, until your resignation,
Secretary General at the Élysée.
You are aware of the legal and political
consequences of your decision.
We are between rounds
of the presidential election.
-Your words could change its course.
-I trust in our country's institutions.
They will make a decision
according to the rule of law.
Yes, hello?
-I wanted to say thank you, Jacques.
-Madam President...
It's unbelievable!
Lambray was her right-hand man.
Philippe, "who", "why" and "how"
are of no consequence.
-Did you hear it?
-What?
The sound of history
knocking at the door.
We're still in the fog, Michel.
The Constitutional Council
has taken control.
So, there are only two theories:
Either the sages maintain
the second round
and a visionary will lead France,
or they decide to impeach Dorendeu,
-and anything is possible.
-Mercier will be in a strong position.
Except if the left unites
for the first round.
-You've always been against that.
-Philippe, let's call a spade a spade.
There is only one candidate capable
of uniting the left. It's you.
Who else could do it?
History has come to drag you out of bed.
Not me, or anyone else.
You withdrew your candidacy
in the name of the union,
you announced the debacle.
I want to see Dupraz, Léo
and all the other idiots
get cleaned out along with Mercier.
As it all depends on you,
I hope you have a solid plan.
How about calling on all MPs cross-party
for one candidate in the first round?
Good. Do you have a name?
Plans always need names.
"The Undivided."
With Véro as the first signatory.
Very well. I'll think of a few
more ideas. I'll call back soon.
-Michel, wait.
-Yes?
-Thank you.
-If you don't beat him,
you will be publicly executed
and I'll be the executioner.
I spent a long time
looking for a successor.
But in politics,
a successor can't be chosen.
It is when they impose themselves
that you realize.
-To Philippe!
-To Philippe!
Declare the President unfit
to stand for office?
Six days before the second round?
We will be criticized
for political interference.
My recommendation is simple:
come to one's senses
and do absolutely nothing.
I invite our esteemed colleague
to read Article 58.
The Constitutional Council ensures the
legality of the President's election.
We do not judge the election,
we regulate it.
Doing nothing would be a breach of duty,
and dare I say it, cowardly.
As president, I must remind you
that time is of the essence.
Let us return to the crux
of the problem, Article 7.
As I said, I am less than delighted
with the wording of Article 7,
but it is what it is.
The word "impeachment" is not defined.
Madness could therefore be
a legitimate reason for impeachment.
Be careful, taking control
was necessary, but here,
I must say proceed with caution!
How is madness observed?
Do you want to examine the President?
By whom?
Under what procedure? Show caution.
I'd like to add that madness
and hysteria
are eternally sexist accusations
to keep women from power.
Moreover, it was a man
at the origin of such a statement.
There have only been three
destitution cases due to madness:
Ludwig II of Bavaria, King George III
and President Deschanel.
All men, as far as I know.
Deschanel resigned
from political pressure!
As for his so-called madness,
Clémenceau, his greatest enemy,
even expressed serious doubts
about the diagnosis.
It would be prudent to remember
before deciding.
Could we hear the opinion of the only
former president to be present?
I'm listening. I'm listening.
Wild smoked salmon,
haddock fillets, bottarga,
crab claws from Kamchatka.
After an 11-hour conclave, we will
no doubt arrive at that tragic moment
when, tormented by hunger, someone
suggests ordering sushi or pizza.
Well, tonight, I am offering
gastronomic asylum.
-That must've been expensive.
-My treat.
Personal expenses.
After campaigning for six months,
we deserve the best.
As we helplessly wait for the white
smoke, let's not torture ourselves.
We are helpless when we wish to be.
I will win on Sunday
against the Austrian.
I won't let them cancel the election
without a word.
The Constitutional Council is not holy.
It is the supreme leader
of the oligarchy.
-Announce a coup d'état.
-First, it must be stopped.
Other than laying siege to the Council,
it seems complicated.
Not a siege.
We don't have weapons anyway.
We could call for people to resist,
to shout through the old fools' windows.
-Peacefully.
-Bad idea.
Do you know what killed
the nationalist right?
-Vichy didn't help.
-There were also
nationalist patriots in the Resistance.
No. The key date is 6 February 1934.
The protest at Place de la Concorde.
Cross of Fire, French Action,
The King's Camelots.
It started out peacefully too.
It turned into a riot
when the protesters surrounded
the Palais Bourbon shouting:
"Death to the Republic!"
Over 30 dead, 2,000 injured.
Since then,
we've been classed as putschists.
The French are grouchy,
but they like order.
-So we let it happen?
-Yes.
And we win the second election.
Christophe, it would be
counterproductive
to call for anything
that would place you outside the law.
-Your story is a bit dated.
-The end is enlightening.
June 1936. Before 6 February 1934,
the right had a clear path.
The left wasn't communicating.
But the threat of a "fascist putsch"
forced a union.
Two years later, Blum leads
the Popular Front government.
Dividing the left is our life insurance.
Don't give them any reason to unite.
Very interesting, Lionel.
-No news?
-Live leaks from a Council meeting?
-No. And that's good!
-It feels wrong.
-They must decide Amélie's impeachment.
-Then why is it taking so long?
Evening, Aurore.
I hope it isn't too late?
-Not at all.
-I need your opinion.
Can we twiddle our thumbs
while a coup d'état is happening
under our nose?
We'd need to mobilize the public, but...
I'll be accused of threatening
the Republic. That's why I'm calling.
Could you organize
a spontaneous mobilization?
No signs, banners or placards.
So we won't get accused.
If I press the button,
people will flock there.
Brilliant! Light the kindling
and the media will do the rest.
That will attract others.
We won't be able to avoid
the black bloc.
Probably not. It has become routine.
What can we do?
People feel that violence is
the only way to change things.
But I refuse to get involved
with Chalon's followers.
Bring on sortition.
Your squabbles are tiresome.
I'm not kidding, Christophe.
Can you see a repeat
of 6 February 1934?
Chalon's friends are loose cannons.
It will only be you.
I need you, Aurore.
You can count on me.
I'll handle it.
Thank you, Aurore.
I'll let you get to work.
Hold your position!
Final warning!
...very quickly, peaceful protesters
were joined by violent gangs
intending to confront the riot police.
It appears to be the black bloc,
although they are difficult
to distinguish.
-What do you think?
-I'd say that it works in our favor.
The Council won't take kindly
to violent pressure.
In theory. But they could freak out.
How does a judge think
in such a situation?
It is out of control. Dammit!
...or a tragedy. Here, police officers
respond to the black bloc harassment...
-Salomé, are you okay?
-Not really.
-Can I stay here?
-What's wrong, sweetheart?
-Nothing. Is anyone hurt?
-Given the violence...
-What an idiot!
-Who?
Lucie. We had a fight
because I told her not to go.
That it'd get worse,
but she doesn't care. So I left.
-Good decision, sweetie.
-Did she get a call up?
-Do you know who from?
-I don't know.
This is organized. In the middle
of the night. Spontaneous, my ass!
Dad, stop. Who cares about who or what?
She's my girlfriend!
If she chooses Mercier over you,
then you deserve better.
You did the right thing.
The preparatory work
for the constitutional law
of 18 June 1976 shows
that we moved
from a version of Article 7,
which stated:
"unfit to participate in the campaign",
to a more general version,
so impeachment is no longer defined.
Therefore "being impeached" covers
all eventualities:
illness, an attack,
capture, civil unrest...
"Civil unrest?"
That's what this is, right?
I do not possess your expert knowledge,
but as a former president,
I have some experience
in managing state affairs.
A simple question:
do you believe that maintaining
the second round will restore
public order?
That calm will return?
That the victor will be able to govern
in a peaceful democracy?
I agree.
The second round would be
the starting point of a long period
of instability, whoever wins.
Imagine that the second round is upheld.
If Ms. Dorendeu is re-elected, her
authority will be seriously affected.
A destitution procedure will no doubt
be triggered soon after her election.
So, instability...
and the collapse of state authority
would make it impossible to govern.
If Mr. Mercier wins, they'll say
it was thanks to a timely scandal.
But his authority will be
just as contested.
In that case... it is clear
that the second round is tainted.
Our role is neither commenting
on the supposed psychological state
of Ms. Dorendeu,
nor on the intention of Mr. Mercier to
implement sortition if he were to win.
Our duty is ensuring
that democracy functions properly.
However, Mr. Lambray's revelation
is harmful
to the peace of this election campaign
and will potentially affect
the integrity of the vote.
In these circumstances,
Ms. Dorendeu is not in a position
to participate in an election
and must be impeached.
The Council confirms the fulfillment
of conditions set out in Article 7,
paragraph 8, of the Constitution,
concerning the impeachment
of one of the candidates
standing in the second round.
Under these provisions,
the second round of the presidential
election is canceled.
The current election campaign
ceases immediately.
All electoral operations
must be restarted
in order to elect the president.
The first round of this new election
will be held in 35 days,
starting from today.
Thirty-five days.
But it's totally insane!
With no mistakes, in 48 or 72 hours,
Philippe could be the candidate chosen
by all left-wing parties.
This time, we have Vidal's blessing.
Here's what you can do...
Fellow citizens, after deep reflection,
given the gravity of the situation,
I have decided to stand as a candidate
in the presidential election.
The decision of the Constitutional
Council applies to me,
as it applies to us all.
I have therefore decided, from today,
to terminate the duties
bestowed upon me.
These will be undertaken
by Mr. Étienne Falloux,
President of the Senate,
in compliance with our Constitution.
I thank my team and collaborators
who selflessly dedicated themselves
to serving their country.
It is not for me to assess my actions.
But I take responsibility
for my decisions
as I believed they were all
in the best interests of France
and the French people.
That is the role
with which I was entrusted.
-Lionel! Lionel, wait! Lionel!
-Don't tire yourself out.
I am running.
It will be official in an hour.
It's a mistake. You announced
your support for Christophe.
Your score will drop.
You could fall to 14.
-I don't care. Mercier betrayed me.
-How?
The chaos at the Council.
I'm not a fool!
He planned it with Dupraz,
after happily eating my salmon,
after I told him it was idiotic!
The leftists don't need orders
to cause a riot.
-You'll lose your influence.
-If I weren't running, I'd have some?
He walked all over me. He's a jerk
and a dictator in the making.
The balance of power makes an impact.
So I'm running. End of story.
Philippe! Philippe!
THE STRENGTH OF THE REPUBLIC
Philippe! Philippe!
#THEUNDIVIDED WITH RICKWAERT
Rickwaert, president!
Rickwaert, president!
Thank you! Good evening!
Let me just check something.
Are there socialists here tonight?
SOCIALISTS WITH RICKWAERT
Are there any ecologists?
THE GREENS WITH RICKWAERT
Are there any communists?
Are The People Stand Up here?
Together! Together, united!
Together, together, united!
It's going well, I have the left.
Vidal's giving a lot.
He's holding rallies, playing along.
-Mirmont tried to join.
-Don't make any pacts with him.
And definitely not with Thorigny.
A democratic front would validate
Mercier's theories.
The united front of establishment,
against him, the resistance.
With Chalon in the mix,
Mercier won't be so high.
At most, I'll need five points.
I risked making this meeting
because if you keep going, you'll lose.
-I'm focused on the basics.
-Forget that!
The only thing that counts is
assassinating me.
In your rallies, you skim over me.
I am the system.
I am the traitor who wanted to sell off
France's international position.
I broke the law
by reinstating the death penalty.
I'm radioactive.
Don't spare me.
To win, you have to shatter me
with all your might.
-Otherwise, this was pointless.
-I know.
Then why are we here?
With your impeachment idea,
did I try to avoid things?
Keep up your end of the bargain!
Tear me to pieces.
-Don't hold back, annihilate me!
-Stop!
Fine.
-I'll do it.
-Good.
-Are you sleeping? You look tired.
-I'm hardy.
You must sleep and eat. Your body is
your temple. Take care of it.
-Are you sleeping?
-Concentrate on winning.
I'll take care of the rest.
Go first. I'll wait 15 minutes.
You never know.
See you soon, Amélie.
-What's that?
-Close your eyes.
You can open them.
THE STRENGTH OF THE REPUBLIC
Don't you like it?
-It looks like Mitterrand in 1981.
-That's intentional.
-Man of the union, man of victory.
-It isn't very modern.
Modernism was never one of your markers.
Some things are embedded in your image.
Try as we might,
three weeks isn't enough.
-What are my markers?
-Experience, courage, solidity.
"Strength." We can trigger that.
Deep down, it's already there.
"Republic" is the antithesis
of selection by lot.
Okay, it works well.
Your face says differently.
-I saw Amélie.
-What?
Are you totally insane?
It was ultra-secure with a double entry.
Nothing is ultra-secure.
Damn your recklessness!
She organized it. Should I have said no?
And treat her like a leper too?
-What did she want?
-The same as you.
That I lay into her, ruthlessly.
The only thing to worry about
is the country.
You have 20 days.
Every minute counts.
What counts right now is
you taking it easy.
Apparently so.
-Was this your bedroom?
-It still is.
It has the best view of the garden.
-Is that you?
-I was just a kid.
My political education happened here.
I devoured thousands of books.
-Of course. Jaurès, Blum...
-No.
Ainsi soit-elle by Benoîte Groult,
The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan,
Du côté des petites filles by Belotti,
A Frozen Woman by Annie Ernaux.
Of course, Beauvoir, The Second Sex.
Those feminists made me who I am.
The only thing that pulled me away
was when my grandma
let me drive the Méhari.
-She had a Méhari?
-It's still here.
Great! So we'll get to drive it then!
There is a shortcut through the wood.
It's so beautiful.
They're stuck. They're gonna be pissed!
-I think it's them.
-Put it on speakerphone.
Gents, if you go back on the main road,
a few miles down on the right,
you'll see a big cross.
We'll see you there in ten minutes.
I deserve ten minutes of freedom, right?
Listen carefully, friends.
They are all the same!
Well... Some are worse than others.
Take Mr. Rickwaert, for example!
You'd think he was the mold
that made the rest.
Like a stem cell!
Who proposes to re-establish order?
A convicted felon, Rickwaert!
It isn't aboveboard.
What kind of Republic are we living in?
The order of priorities!
For me: the French come first.
Yes, the French come first!
They come first
because this is their country.
-This is our country!
-It is our turn.
Who else? Rickwaert's left?
Whose only policy is always
more immigration?
This is our country!
This is our country!
As Dorendeu was destined to lose,
the system dismissed her.
But who will replace her?
Her twin, Rickwaert!
They were close. They were together
in the Socialist Party.
And, so it seems,
in their private life too...
A small closed group.
A world among themselves!
I get the feeling
you're waiting for someone.
Just as well, as he is on his way!
Not long now. He is among us!
Please welcome, Philippe Rickwaert!
Thank you.
Dear friends... my ears are ringing.
I can hear some bad music.
Can you hear what they are trying to do?
-Yes!
-I will tell you the truth.
Mercier is the result
of Amélie Dorendeu!
That's what happens
when you mix up right from left.
Everything gets blurred.
The seeds of confusion are planted.
You end up with a confused madman!
I'm not sure we have time
before the end of the world
to make a list of the damage
Dorendeu did to the left.
To France, and to politics!
Ten, nine, eight, seven, six,
five, four, three, two, one...
It is 8 o'clock. Going head-to-head
in the second round are
Christophe Mercier
and Philippe Rickwaert.
The scores are on your screen:
40.7% on one side, 24.1 on the other.
The gap's magnitude is surprising
with 17 points separating them.
You have to go far back in history
to find a similar difference...
You were at 26, you ended with 24.
You got your score.
Chalon got siphoned. He got 9%.
The fascists voted for Mercier.
Hence his 40%. You did nothing wrong.
You had a great campaign.
Michel is right. With Chalon at nine,
Mercier doesn't have votes on hand.
Boudard's 23 is good for you.
They're still republicans.
-What were the scores in 1974?
-Good example. Mitterrand had over 43%.
That didn't stop Giscard from winning.
-The first poll.
-Nonsense. The campaign hasn't started.
-Fifty-two for Mercier.
-Forget that, it's bullshit!
-The debate is what counts.
-Yes, in 1974, it won it for Giscard.
Absolutely. "You don't have a monopoly
on the heart! You don't have it."
TAKE BACK CONTROL
Citizens! What is your profession?
AGAINST ELECTORAL FUNDAMENTALISM,
LONG LIVE SORTITION
Enough! I can't read this shit.
I need to provoke him.
That'll enrage him and show him for
what he is: a dictator in the making.
Why not "Vote for me,
because he's a baddie."
We're asking people to vote
to block him.
It's still the beaver strategy,
but it was shot down.
Why did it get shot down?
Got anything better?
No, we have nothing!
Do you want to change our methods?
Vidal offered to meet with you.
Will I call him?
I need Amélie.
She prepared for the same debate.
The two of us can do it.
Stop, Philippe. It's impossible.
She was the first woman
to become president.
And what is her legacy?
A madwoman, a liar.
A criminal.
I don't know anyone more dedicated
to their country.
She has to live with the insults,
the hatred, the dishonor...
...until her dying day.
You can't live like that.
Nobody can.
She asked me for one thing: to win.
I can't even give her that!
You can. Otherwise,
she would have lost herself.
Everyone was kissing Mercier's ass
to keep his jackass voters happy.
What's the analysis?
The guy will win!
So we need a different approach.
A brass knuckle punch to the face.
Many voters find Mercier intriguing,
but they are undecided.
If you treat them like idiots,
it won't get you far.
I have to be Rickwaert.
The people want Rickwaert, the boxer!
It'll please your voters.
But nothing more.
So the teacher thinks
he's a supreme being?
You'll see, he won't last two rounds.
He sits down, I hit him!
He does his intro, I hit him!
I insult him, I hit him!
NO CALLER ID
It'll be fine, Philippe.
You know it like the back of your hand.
You don't need advice.
-Yes, I do.
-You must be yourself, of course.
But when they see you,
people have to feel something new.
The truth of a man.
His sincerity, his profoundness,
his density.
They have to meet their president
for the first time.
Three, two...
Good evening, all, and welcome
to Christophe Mercier
and Philippe Rickwaert.
-And to you, Laurence.
-Evening, Natalie.
Welcome to the pre-second round debate.
For the first time,
you both wanted a totally free debate,
without pre-established subjects.
For two hours, you can give
the nation the opportunity
to better understand your ideas.
Our role will be to ensure
equal time for both speakers
and a fair exchange.
Without further ado:
after this campaign,
and five days before the nation votes,
what is your state of mind?
Christophe Mercier, first.
I am touched by the determination
of the French people.
As on Sunday,
we will slay the system, peacefully.
Despite the manipulation, intimidation,
and a preventive coup d'état.
I have said this
throughout the campaign:
this system is an electoral system.
It is the cause of all injustice.
It guarantees lies
and allows corruption.
It generates powerlessness and organizes
the abuse of power by a small elite,
including you, Mr. Rickwaert, as its
most characteristic representative.
MP, mayor, minister. You got
the royal treatment at every level.
You've taken part in every palace coup,
so well that your criminal record
is the tip of the iceberg
of the damage you did to the country.
And additionally,
to the ideals you claim to defend.
After such an attack,
your response, Philippe Rickwaert.
Mr. Mercier...
Firstly, I'd like to congratulate you.
You ran a great campaign.
You defended your position.
To unite people, you created a movement.
To succeed, you had to plot and scheme.
Sometimes, getting rid of obstacles
blocking your path.
I think Mr. Chalon remembers it clearly.
You also had to bend
some of your own beliefs.
As you are a candidate in an election,
even though you want to abolish them.
In sum, you are a politician.
And a very talented one at that.
I am proud to debate
with you this evening.
Mr. Rickwaert, please answer
his question.
How many?
4.6% are employees. The Assembly is
not representative enough.
And no laborers among MPs.
Despite 30% of employees
and 20% of laborers in France.
Selection by lot would guarantee
that representation.
What matters is what we think,
what we say and what we want.
A bourgeois can serve the interests
of the most humble.
Victor Hugo, Jean Jaurès,
Léon Blum, the list goes on.
Some heavy smokers have healthy lungs,
so it's pointless fighting addiction.
That's what you're saying.
You defend the undefendable.
The exception cannot prove the rule,
Mr. Rickwaert.
The people will decide, not me!
-I said it throughout the campaign...
-Please, this is a debate.
Mr. Rickwaert is three minutes behind.
Go on.
We have debated for an hour.
You've been hiding your convictions
behind the people.
People will notice, Mr. Mercier.
My only conviction is
that the people have the power,
-without intermediaries...
-But...
-...without professionals...
-Message received.
What about the death penalty? Climate
change? Education? Who are you?
-What do you believe?
-It doesn't matter.
Your beliefs don't matter?
I voted for the first time in 1981.
For beliefs.
Sharing of wealth, social justice...
Two years later, in 1983,
those convictions
had changed completely.
Beliefs do not matter,
as power changes them.
I'm not asking the people to vote
for my convictions,
but to vote for themselves, directly.
Hold on, Mr. Mercier. I don't understand
your criteria for selection.
Why not randomly select according to
ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation?
-Have I ever proposed such a thing?
-You haven't.
But those selected by lot could do it.
They would see your logic through
to the end.
-No, we'd have to implement a safeguard.
-A safeguard.
So those randomly selected cannot decide
everything for themselves.
I hope you aren't making false promises
like a vulgar, irresponsible politician?
The election allows the wealthy
to buy power
by helping their preferred candidates
through campaign financing
and media propaganda.
-No demagoguery!
-For pity's sake.
Sometimes, the left gets into power.
How do you explain the 35-hour week,
paid leave, Universal Health Coverage?
As a security measure, sometimes,
the system concedes a few measly scraps.
The left's job is to be like a valve.
Like tonight, it's your turn.
You're the system's ruse.
Like a conspiracy within a conspiracy.
What if you were the system's ruse,
stopping me from getting into power,
from increasing wages,
improving public services,
and pushing the market society back?
Along with my left-wing politics,
I will be costly for the wealthy.
But you, you're a godsend for them.
Sortition replaces elections,
and therefore, politics.
But what took social gains
from the dominant?
Politics.
So tonight, it seems the candidate
for the rich...
...is you.
That is why I want to conclude
by simply saying:
trust in yourself. In us.
We are capable of governing ourselves.
Let's take back control
of our own destiny
by saying Yes to a democracy
worthy of its name.
We are the great nation that is France.
On Sunday, we have a date with history.
Thank you, Mr. Mercier.
Mr. Rickwaert, your conclusion.
Tonight, we have been at odds
with each other.
That's politics. Clashing ideas,
opposing world views,
so that the people can form
an opinion and choose.
Tonight, I believe
we have been dignified.
But the great debate we just had
was made possible by the election.
Why debate if we have selection by lot?
Deep down, what defines the French?
Our culture, our literature,
our scenery,
our social system, our history.
Yes, all that defines who we are,
but our soul is in politics.
We are the political people
who, after capturing the Bastille, said:
politics is the people's business.
Debating ideas creates that.
Others imitated us,
and they were right to.
Politics, for us as French people, is
a way of transmitting, making a society.
It links us to our past,
to a continuity.
Politics is France's middle name,
our identity.
As president, I would guarantee it.
Fellow citizens...
if you dislike your representatives,
make them lose and replace them.
If that isn't sufficient, get involved
and change the parties from within.
If you are still unsatisfied,
do as Mr. Mercier did.
Create your own party
and stand in an election.
Get involved in politics,
but don't abolish it.
The Revolution was a fight
against divine right.
Don't establish a power
that hides behind the gods of chance
to rob us of our freedom.
My final word will be a vow.
Our great debate mustn't be the last
under any circumstances.
Long live politics and long live France!
Hello there.
-Hi, how are you?
-Hello.
Here.
Number 873,
Mr. Rickwaert Philippe, Antoine, Paul.
-Can vote.
-Mr. Rickwaert!
-Mr. Rickwaert!
-Mrs. Rickwaert!
-Over here!
-Mr. Rickwaert!
Voted.
CONFIDENTIAL. FIRST EST. IN 5 MIN.
You won. Three institutes give
the same figure.
Around 51.
-It won't change?
-No, it won't.
You won.
It is almost 8 o'clock.
There are just ten seconds left
before we find out who is
the new President of the Republic.
Now, here is the result
of the presidential election.
-Two, one...
-And Philippe Rickwaert
has been elected
President of the Republic
with 50.9% of the vote.
We have won!
We have won!
To the Republic, to France
and to your new life.
It's empty.
I'll just pop to the village.
Can't you ask your bodyguard?
I didn't when I was president
and I won't start now.
-They have to go with you anyway.
-That is their job.
I'll be back in five minutes.
No, Philippe will talk at the Bastille.
Yes, it's getting close.
At the Bastille, as is tradition.
Yes. Bye.
About Philippe's speech,
have you read it?
-No, he always improvises anyway.
-Véro!
Why?
The legislative elections are
in five weeks.
You are the main opponent.
You never abandon your troops...
-Nobody likes a bad loser.
-I didn't lose.
I was robbed,
along with all those who want change.
There was a coup d'état
and I have to congratulate him?
You brought together 16 million voters!
You belong to them now.
You represent them.
You can't let them down.
You're their leader.
A leader never sulks.
A leader stands strong,
facing the wind.
-Bravo.
-Thank you.
-Congratulations!
-Thanks. Thanks a lot.
Mr. President!
Mr. President,
Mr. Mercier is on the phone.
Thank you.
Good evening, Mr. Mercier.
I have been told
that republican courtesy
demands the loser
to congratulate the victor.
Thank you.
You were a strong opponent.
Your Republic only imitates democracy.
And its courtesies just grease
the system.
I will therefore not congratulate you.
You are not my opponent,
but an enemy.
An enemy of the people.
This election is a sham.
Hello?
What?
You have the right to contest.
This isn't a dictatorship.
A coup d'état brought you power.
You are not legitimate.
You have no right over the State
or its prerogatives.
You will end up like your Dorendeu,
despised by all,
and buried by shame and disgrace.
Enjoy your presidency, Mr. Rickwaert!
Amélie...
My dear Philippe,
of course, you will do as you please,
and I am sure that is for the best.
But if my experience
as president can be of use,
keep in mind the following advice...