Prisca Thévenot, a deputy for Ensemble pour la République des Hauts-de-Seine, called for politicians to avoid simplistic slogans during a radio interview Saturday [1].
The appeal comes as France enters a volatile period of political positioning following Gabriel Attal's announcement that he will run for president in 2027 [1]. This shift in the political landscape has already triggered a wave of reactions and attacks against the candidate.
Speaking on the "8h30 franceinfo" program on May 23, 2026 [1], Thévenot addressed questions from hosts Hadrien Bect and Madjid Khiat. She specifically targeted the use of "les petites phrases" — the short, punchy soundbites often used to score quick political points at the expense of nuanced debate [1].
"Il faut éviter les petites phrases," Thévenot said [1].
Thévenot's comments align with other reactions to the candidacy announcement. Aurore Bergé said that the attacks directed at Attal indicate that the public debate has become highly sensitive [2]. The focus for the Ensemble pour la République representatives appears to be a push for a more substantive discourse as the 2027 election cycle begins to take shape [1].
The interview took place at the Franceinfo radio studio, where the deputy emphasized the need for stability and depth in political communication [1]. By urging candidates to move beyond slogans, Thévenot is positioning her party's approach as one of maturity and seriousness in the face of growing political polarization [1].
“"Il faut éviter les petites phrases."”
The push against 'petites phrases' reflects a strategic effort by Ensemble pour la République to frame Gabriel Attal's 2027 candidacy as a serious, statesmanlike alternative to the populist rhetoric common in recent French elections. By calling for an end to soundbite politics, Thévenot is attempting to shield Attal from early opportunistic attacks while setting a standard for a more intellectualized campaign trail.
