Summary
Highlights
Edwy Plenel, founder of Médiapart, discusses his book, "Democracy is Not Elections," a warning and a call to action. He argues that a ballot paper alone cannot protect us, citing examples like Trump, Putin, and Netanyahu, who, despite being elected, act without limits. Plenel emphasizes that democracy is a complex ecosystem including independent justice, a free press, the right to protest, and the right to self-organization. He criticizes the French system where elections are reduced to choosing a single person, leading to the confiscation of the people's will by one individual.
Plenel highlights the degradation of politics through 'pipolisation,' where private and public lives merge, starting with figures like Nicolas Sarkozy. This leads to amorality and corruption, transforming public good into private interest. He describes French presidentialism as an 'elective monarchism' with no limits, echoing the 'limitlessness' seen in Trump, Putin, and Netanyahu—a boundless desire for power, conquest, and control. This lack of limits, he argues, is anti-democratic, as democracy inherently implies limits to protect the freedom of others.
Plenel asserts that the current political landscape, exemplified by leaders like Trump and Putin, signifies a 'mafia-ization' of the world. He describes Putin's regime as a 'mafia gang' enriching itself by seizing Russian wealth. He contrasts this with the post-WWII ideals of international law, human rights, and the principle that no nation can authorize everything. The actions of these leaders, he explains, erode these ideals, leading to an environment where the law of the strongest prevails, disregarding international justice and human rights.
Plenel extends his critique to France, questioning the adherence to democratic ideals. He notes that the French system allows individuals to escape accountability, citing Macron's dissolution of parliament. He points out the double standards in how justice and the press are treated, especially when they challenge those in power. He criticizes the French political class, particularly the left, for not upholding the independence of the judiciary and the freedom of the press, drawing parallels with the more robust Italian system where prosecutors are independent of the executive.
Plenel argues that the French Left has fallen into the 'presidential trap,' becoming obsessed with state power and electoral conquest rather than building power within society. This, he believes, has led to a weakening of democratic culture and integrity within the Left. He cites instances of historical failures to uphold justice, such as François Mitterrand's alleged cover-ups regarding the Greenpeace affair and the Algerian War. This historical baggage, he suggests, continues to impact the current political landscape, leading to a diminished democratic demand.
Plenel severely criticizes Emmanuel Macron's presidency, stating that despite being elected twice to counter the far-right, Macron has ignored the mandate. Instead, he has stifled social movements, shown indifference to police violence, and disregarded public morality. Plenel suggests Macron's recent dissolution of parliament aimed to empower the far-right, seeing it as an extension of business interests. He argues that Macron, like Trump, Putin, and Netanyahu, represents an anti-democratic force, based on the principle of 'natural inequality' against the democratic ideal of equality.
Plenel explains that leaders like Trump, Putin, Netanyahu, and Orban share a common ideology: the belief in 'natural inequality'—superiority based on civilization, race, religion, or gender. This underpins their homophobia and general hatred of minorities. He contrasts this with the democratic ideal of equality, a promise that has driven the conquest of rights for over two centuries. He emphasizes that this ideal is now under threat, making it a crucial moment for global democratic forces to unite against these authoritarian and identitarian powers.
Plenel stresses the critical role of independent journalism and a robust justice system in a democracy. He argues that a politician who despises the press when criticized is not a true democrat. He differentiates between opinion and journalism, stating that journalism's social purpose is to produce knowledge, not mere opinion. He criticizes mass media operating on public channels as platforms for opinion rather than fact, which, he believes, contributes to 'derealization' and undermines a common public space based on shared truths.
Plenel advocates for defending a 'creative disorder' and constant renewal in democracy. He illustrates this with the ongoing struggle for women's rights, which has continuously challenged societal norms, leading to the #MeToo movement and broader societal self-reflection. He also highlights the ecological challenges, arguing that leaders focused on short-term gains ignore the 'rights of nature' and the need for limits on human exploitation. He emphasizes that democracy is an eternal movement, constantly reinventing rights and ensuring accountability.
Plenel warns that if the far-right wins the French presidency—a force he believes is inspired by Trump and Putin—it would be a dangerous turning point for France. He argues that the National Rally's ideology remains extreme, despite its attempts at respectability, as evidenced by Mediapart's investigations. He concludes that France has experienced 20 years of democratic decline, losing its universalist and democratic message. He invokes Rosa Luxemburg to remind young activists that true democracy requires a free press, independent justice, the right to assembly, and the ability to challenge power.