Bruno Retailleau, president of the Republicans, unveiled during his first outing as a presidential candidate measures to 'produce more' and boost business competitiveness. He spoke during a visit to a mill in Seine-et-Marne. His program aims to free France from 'social-statism' through a break with bureaucracy and regulations.
Bruno Retailleau, president of the Republicans party (LR) and senator from Vendée, made his first public outing as a declared presidential candidate on February 19 in Verdelot, Seine-et-Marne. He visited Moulins Bourgeois, a family mill established in the commune for nearly 130 years.
During the visit, Mr. Retailleau observed the use of artificial intelligence to check the seal of flour sacks. 'This shows that a company rooted in the same commune for nearly 130 years can adopt the best technology,' he stated. He also commented on the bread quality produced, saying: 'You always judge the quality of a restaurant by its bread.'
One week after announcing his candidacy, this outing signals an intent to distance himself from the party, as a close associate had noted: 'He must take distance from the party.' In January, he had presented his work proposals from LR headquarters using a PowerPoint described as 'a bit techy' by his supporters.
Titled 'Produce more to live better,' this second part of his economic program diagnoses faster deindustrialization in France than in its European partners, due to the 'ball and chain of norms and charges.' To address it, Mr. Retailleau openly advocates deregulation to fundamentally break 'with bureaucracy, norms, regulation, and taxation,' freeing the country from 'social-statism.'
In 2009, he had considered becoming secretary of state for digital affairs, but his mentor at the time, Philippe de Villiers, vetoed it.
