“The French Revolution, matrix of modernity”
During the 14 juillet celebration, François de Canson delivered a lucid, deeply republican speech, in the presence of Stéphane Rambaud, MP of...
In a context of doubts, tensions, and expectations, the mayor firmly recalled what unites the French around a common destiny, namely the spirit of July 14. Furthermore, the mayor invited everyone to consider the real significance of July 14, 1789, far beyond the storming of the Bastille alone: 'The Revolution lasted only five years, but those years were centuries for France.' REVOLUTIONARY HERITAGE He spoke of 'an eruption of ideas, genius, catastrophes, crimes, and virtues' that laid the foundations of the modern Republic.
With the États généraux, the Jeu de Paume oath, the abolition of privileges, France made out of men driven by the same ideals as those who guided the revolutionaries of 1789. The struggle for the Republic is never over.' Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity concrete rights, 'enshrined in the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen'.
Thus, the Republic, from the 1st to the 5th, was able to transform this revolutionary heritage into tangible progress with universal suffrage, freedom of the press, free and secular schooling, social security, the voting age at 18, and equal rights: 'This social progress is not self-evident. It is the fruit of struggles led by women and rights and duties. France is freedom of conscience, freedom of expression.
These values are not negotiable. Failing to respect them is failing to respect France.'
With gravity, François de Canson listed the principles that must continue to guide our democracy: 'France is equality of He praised our country's tradition of freedom and democracy, while calling for constant vigilance: 'Every day, these values must be reaffirmed and defended.' NATIONAL SURGE Addressing the challenges of the present, the mayor made a lucid observation: 'Our times are difficult. A divided, worried France.
A country governed day-to-day, with no clear course. A fractured Assemblée nationale. An abyssal debt.
A society undermined by identity tensions, violence, and public powerlessness.'
But far from fatalism, he launched an appeal for a 'civic, republican, and patriotic surge'. He pleaded for 'a clearer, fairer State, refocused on its missions: to protect, to instruct, to heal.' And he recalled: 'Without authority, there is no freedom.'
He insisted on the importance of transmission, merit, shared effort, and loyalty to values.
François de Canson praised the fundamental role of local territories and elected officials: 'Here, in La Londe, we know what love of country, of the common good, means. We believe in a Republic of balance, solidarity, and responsibility. France is not condemned to powerlessness.
She can regain her rightful place if she knows how to reconnect with the spirit of July 14: a spirit of self-transcendence, courage, and unity.'
Finally, the mayor addressed the youth, inviting them to seize the republican heritage with ambition: 'This French genius made of loyalty and inventiveness, rigor and audacity. It reaches out its arms to you. Embrace France and she will embrace you!
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Photos Alain BLANCHOT.