When the national anthem sounds, the heart beats hard at hand. Whether it is that of the footballers and the technical staff of the national team, the epic of the Blues, the outcome of which we do not know at the time of writing, unites millions of French people in passion. Whether it is those placed on the military fatigues during the July 14 parade. A parade in the form of a weapons vigil, at a time when geopolitical tensions are extreme, as highlighted on Monday July 13 by the President of the Republic during his last speech to the armies.
The heart of the nation is also beating very strongly in Nice for the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attack of 2016. And, in this quick inventory, how can we ignore the commitment of the firefighters fighting against the fires which are ravaging the centuries-old forest heritage of our country?
Between July 14 and August 15, our country traditionally pauses and strives for unison. Both the joys and the common fragilities have this quality, if we want, to be able to unite our nation. But this summer, that will hardly be the case. Because unifying projects are struggling to emerge. Effect of the fragmentation of the political landscape; effect also of the presidential campaign which increasingly pushes parties and candidates to differentiate. And, we can only regret the chicayas and the controversies which accompany the news, some believing it is worth emphasizing, our under-equipment, the unpreparedness of the teams, the lack of follow-up from those in charge, etc., without mentioning the even more divisive subjects.
Let us be careful not to indulge in this exercise. National unity cannot be decreed; she is a slow, mature feeling, who does not like to be betrayed. She needs repeated confidence.
