
It was announced today that Socialist Jack Lang has accepted an invitation from Pres. Sarkozy to join a group that will reflect on institutional reform. Another Socialist, Hubert Védrine, the former foreign minister, has accepted a call to reflect on France and globalization after rejecting an earlier invitation to join the government (reportedly as foreign minister, before the appointment of Kouchner to that post).
As if on cue, Lang also gave Le Monde an interview, defending Sarkozy against the charge of "hyperpresidentialism." Of course, says Lang. "Et alors?"
I can't criticize Lang for taking this view, since it is the view I have expressed consistently in this blog. If Sarkozy is "hyperpresidential," it is chiefly by contrast with the torpor of Chirac. Hyperpresidentialism is built into the structure of the Fifth Republic. It takes an active president to make things work. Lang puts it this way: "We're rediscovering a reality in France. All power is concentrated in the president. Wouldn't it be logical, therefore, to establish a true presidential regime? An executive power checked by a real parliament, endowed with real powers." A refreshingly candid statement from a left that has had a hard time finding its voice.
Will Lang now be expelled from the party? True, he hasn't accepted a ministry, but his defense of the Sarkozyan method is more forthright than that of any of the Socialist ministers.