Éric Dupond-Moretti, former Justice Minister, sharply criticized Édouard Philippe during an appearance on Public Sénat, accusing the Le Havre mayor of blatant disloyalty toward Emmanuel Macron. He described Philippe's attitude as 'scandalous,' comparing it to the Richter scale for earthquakes. This attack comes amid post-political crisis tensions.
Since the political crisis following the formation of the short-lived 'Lecornu 1' government in early October, Éric Dupond-Moretti has been relishing his regained freedom of speech. Appearing on Public Sénat, he launched new barbs at two former prime ministers under Emmanuel Macron: Édouard Philippe (2017-2020) and Gabriel Attal (January-September 2024), both now distanced from their former mentor.
Édouard Philippe, mayor of Le Havre (Seine-Maritime), urged the president to plan his resignation after the budget's adoption, calling it the 'only dignified decision' to avoid 'eighteen months of uncertainty and crisis.' On France 2, he stated: 'I have a lot of respect for the president who appointed me prime minister but I owe him nothing,' embracing a break ahead of the 2027 presidential election, where he is running for Horizons.
Dupond-Moretti hit back fiercely: 'Mr. Philippe, you owe him everything.' He denounced Philippe's attitude as 'scandalous,' stating: 'He is to loyalty what Richter is to the earthquake, a reference.' The former lawyer recalled Philippe's promise of loyalty upon leaving government: 'You had promised [...] that you would be totally loyal to the president. No way, it's a nighttime promise.'
He added: 'Here is someone who wants to access the presidency of the Republic denatures and unravels the function he aims for.' On the presidency, Dupond-Moretti emphasized: 'Because, unless I'm mistaken, the president's election is five years, it's a five-year term. And if it becomes variable geometry, at the whim of a fickle public opinion, then we destroy the presidential function and unravel the Fifth Republic.'
Gabriel Attal, head of Renaissance, was not spared, labeled a mere 'creation of the president.' Three weeks earlier, on BFMTV, Dupond-Moretti had already said: 'A few rats are leaving the ship.' These exchanges highlight divisions within the Macronist majority.