Final of the France Cup: the double political stake for the executive

Louis de Raguenel, edited by Gauthier Delomez / Photo credits: FRANCK FIFE / AFP 19:53 pm, April 28, 2023

A new test for the executive, just over a year before the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. According to the intelligence directorate, the final of the Coupe de France Saturday night between Nantes and Toulouse is at high risk. Spillovers are feared in a context of opposition to the pension reform. This is why a large security system involving more than 3,000 police and gendarmes has been set up.

>> LISTEN - Coupe de France: no descent on the lawn for Macron?

For the top of the State, in addition to the security issue, this sporting event has a double political stake. First, Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin must show that he has made the mistakes of the past after the Champions League final at the Stade de France, where the tragedy was narrowly avoided. Several hundred spectators were still attacked on the sidelines of the match. The minister must also show control of major events, to reassure before the Olympics.

Emmanuel Macron "can't wait to attend the match"

The political issue concerns President Emmanuel Macron above all. In the midst of a social crisis, the president cannot hide. According to information from Europe 1, the head of state should go on the lawn of the stadium, to meet the players of the final as is customary. He will also award the trophy to the winning team from the stands, according to information confirmed by Europe 1.

>> Find Europe 1 Soir Week-end in replay and podcast here

"He can't wait to attend the game," says the president's entourage. But the latter takes the risk of violence, boos from the crowd, whistles and hostile banners. Scenes that would do well in this explosive context, and two days before the national mobilization on May 1st.