I’d rather have a far-left president than civil war
Béziers Mayor Robert Ménard says a profound ideological divide separates his generation from progressive youth, yet he remains committed to resisting Islamic communitarianism.
In a revealing interview with Causeur, Robert Ménard discusses his new book addressed to his daughter, whose political views stand in stark opposition to his own. The deeply personal work has resonated with many French families experiencing similar generational rifts.
According to Causeur, Ménard reflected that while parent-child political disagreements are nothing new, the current divide runs deeper than in previous generations. When he was young and clashed with his own parents, at least they shared a common language for debate. Today, when his daughter Clara discusses feminism or the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the terminology she uses is completely foreign to him. On certain topics, they have simply agreed to stop talking altogether to avoid explosive confrontations.
Despite the political chasm, Ménard emphasizes his profound love for his 24-year-old daughter, calling her the greatest gift his wife Emmanuelle ever gave him. He credits Clara with appreciating that he avoided the arrogant posture of older people who dismissively tell their children they will change their views with age.
Theater Incident Reveals Cultural Contempt
Ménard recounted attending a theatrical performance where one of Clara’s brothers worked as sound designer. A character repeatedly mocked as foolish was called “common sense” throughout the play. As someone who frequently invokes common sense in his political positions, Ménard felt personally targeted by what he described as sneering, intolerant contempt from the left.
The Béziers mayor pushed back against the notion that France’s entire younger generation embraces far-left politics. In the most recent municipal elections, voters aged 20 were among his strongest supporters. He recalled visiting a nightclub where young people who could have been his grandchildren spontaneously applauded and sang the national anthem.
Confronting Islamic Communitarianism
When addressing the significant Muslim population in Béziers, where 60 to 70 percent of public school children come from Muslim cultural backgrounds, Ménard described his approach as combining authority with respect. Shortly after his first election, he discovered a prayer room had been established in football club locker rooms on municipal property.
The mayor explained to club leadership that while he could tolerate individual, discreet expressions of faith, he would not accept collective religious practices in municipal facilities. The club complied immediately, understanding that his determination came paired with genuine respect for believers. Public authorities must approach Islam with both authority and respect, Ménard stated.
He emphasized his fight against Islamism, which he sharply distinguishes from Islam itself, noting that the substantial Muslim presence in Béziers does not prevent him from combating communitarian practices. Years ago, publicly stating demographic facts about the city’s school population led to legal action against him, a case he ultimately won.
Young people from immigrant backgrounds are visible throughout Béziers society, from the stands at rugby matches to the teams themselves. The mayor noted that rugby, the city’s passion, brings together diverse populations in a way that transcends ethnic and religious divisions.
With information from Causeur
