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Agricultural Show: an unmissable event for presidents, but sometimes perilous
The Agricultural Show has established itself as an unmissable political event for each head of state. In addition to the traditional tastings of drinks and food, the exercise can prove perilous for the Presidents of the Republic. – (France 2)
The Agricultural Show has established itself as an unmissable political event for each head of state. In addition to the traditional tastings of drinks and food, the exercise can prove perilous for the Presidents of the Republic.
When you dig into the archives room, in the Agricultural Show section, you find festive moments, and others that are more muscular and even very political. First imperative in trying to attract farmers: knowing how to taste drinks as well as food. This was true for President De Gaulle in 1968, as for all his successors. François Mitterrand has never set foot at the Salon in fourteen years of presidency. He nevertheless went there in 1981, when he was a candidate. François Mitterrand’s successor, Jacques Chirac, was out of the category when it came to tasting.
Exposing yourself to the anger of farmers
Second imperative for a head of state at the Salon: loving animals. Here, like voters, we have to caress them with the grain. But for a presidential visit, you must also not count your time, at the risk of enduring the moods of the farmers. In 2008, Nicolas Sarkozy completed his first Salon as president. A few seconds were enough to leave a lasting mark on his five-year term, when he said to a person who refused to shake his hand: “Get lost then, you poor bastard.” Visiting the Show also means exposing yourself to hostility from breeders. In 2016, the price of milk was in free fall, and the reception given to François Hollande was frosty. In the midst of the farmers’ crisis, Emmanuel Macron’s visit on Saturday February 24 also promises to be eventful.
