The commemorative symposium of December 6, 2024, at the National Assembly, dedicated to Jacques Barrot, whose brilliant career as a local and departmental representative, minister and European Commissioner on several occasions, and ultimately member of the Constitutional Council, in the presence of his loyal colleagues and former collaborators and son Jean-Noël Barrot, came at just the right time. A time when France is reverting to its worst demons, especially Parliament: systematic conflict, outrageousness and, for the extreme left, the violent refusal to respect democratic rules.
Jacques Barrot elevated the culture of compromise to its highest level and inspired by his Christian faith, he had the general interest at heart. He initiated countless reforms, not the least of which was the launch of “Galiléo” (the high-performance European radionavigation system). He knew how to say “no” and promote what he thought was right when it was needed. As his fellow politician, former minister Pierre Méhaignerie, pointed out, he had his “feet firmly on the ground”; he felt that verticality was not the right way to govern, unless it meant infantilizing the French. That's why, as former Portuguese European Commissioner Antonio Vittorino reminded us, collegiality within the European Commission was so important to him. Michel Barnier's final address crowned the symposium. After pondering “the traces left by those who have dedicated themselves to the common good”, the Prime Minister reminded us of the need for a commitment based on enthusiasm and indignation. He stressed that respect for the humblest, refusal of sectarianism and concern for dialogue at all levels were shared values, bearing in mind that France has and must have a central place. Many thanks to the Schuman Foundation and France Forum for organizing this symposium.
