Europe 1 with AFP 11:13, August 22, 2021

Before a decisive comeback for the right, which is looking for a candidate for the presidential election, Xavier Bertrand clarifies his positions on several subjects in an interview with the "JDD". The president of the Hauts-de-France region criticizes in particular the action of the Head of State on Islamism and his attitude in the Afghan file.

Xavier Bertrand, presidential candidate (ex-LR), accuses Emmanuel Macron of "confusing naivety" about Islamism, and believes that "France lacked leadership" after the Taliban came to power in Afghanistan, in a interview with

JDD

. "For five years, Emmanuel Macron has shown a confusing naivety" and "has absolutely not taken the measure of the threat that radical Islamism poses to our security and our values," he said.

Calling to "immediately dissolve all the Islamist organizations which propagate a political ideology incompatible with the values ​​that we carry", he also promises that in the event of election to the presidency of the Republic, "the funding coming directly or indirectly from States foreigners will be banned ".

In Afghanistan, "France lacked leadership" 

Regarding Afghanistan, he believes that "given the dramatic conditions of the American withdrawal, France has lacked leadership" and calls for "to be very clear with the new Afghan leaders: if Afghanistan once again becomes the rear base for anti-terrorism. Western (…), massive and rapid sanctions will have to be triggered ".

According to him, we must also "seriously prepare for the migratory shock that is coming. We must take our part in this tragedy, but not under any conditions, and not alone."

Eight months before the presidential election, the president of Hauts-de-France considers the question "central" to "the standard of living of those who work and have modest salaries".

Bertrand will "extend a hand" to Pécresse and Wauquiez

He also advocates a "republican reconquest" which involves "taking control of our migration policy, the return of the police and public services in the neighborhoods, and once again the possibility of social advancement for young people of all ages. origins ".

Finally, on the question of the right-wing presidential candidate, Xavier Bertrand repeats that he will "not be a candidate for a primary". But "I will extend my hand" to "Valérie Pécresse, as to Laurent Wauquiez, as to all the others. I will open my team to all talents, to campaign as to lead the country," he assures us.