"In such a serious situation for our country, we must play collective (...) I will ensure that our political family maintains a line of independence, with a clear opposition to macronism", he affirms in this letter that AFP was able to consult.
Eric Ciotti does not directly name Aurélien Pradié, whom he dismissed on Saturday from his title of executive vice-president because of a hard line on pensions which earned the latter, in the hemicycle, applause from the Nupes Friday.
"I know your desire to sanction Emmanuel Macron but let's not do it at the cost of approving Jean-Luc Mélenchon. When the right becomes left, it goes astray", assures Eric Ciotti.
While recalling the "total freedom to vote" of LR parliamentarians, he believes that "the party's requirement for consistency requires us to adopt a common position", especially since it was voted "virtually unanimity" Tuesday in the political office.
In the name of a "popular right", Aurélien Pradié raised the stakes on long careers throughout the debate.
"The right for me is the courage" which carries "the reform to straighten the country", replies Eric Ciotti.
Because "we will not win by giving up our values, those always defended by General de Gaulle, Georges Pompidou, Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, Jacques Chirac and Nicolas Sarkozy".
Monday during a press conference in Cahors, Aurélien Pradié said he was "more combative than ever", assuring that "many deputies" LR had "no intention of giving in to threats" nor "to vote for this pension reform if it is not deeply modified".
In his letter to members, Eric Ciotti repeats that "this reform is necessary" and that "we fought to make it fairer".
"Without reform, in five to ten years, the pay-as-you-go system will collapse and pensions will be threatened. I refuse to do so," he says.
© 2023 AFP