
The predicted defeat of the Yes vote poses a serious threat to Philippe, who risks having to bury his political ambitions for good. But the surprise emergence of an abstentionist on the scene muddies the campaign waters. Philippe starts to believe again, even if it means playing with fire.
Philippe Rickwaert celebrates the end of his ineligibility with an ambitious plan: to revive the Socialist Party from its ashes in order to run for president and disrupt the three-way race between President Amélie Dorendeu, Vidal's "left-wing populism," and Chalon's far right. Immediately, the blows rain down, but Philippe must above all face a questioning that touches the heart of his political identity...
Too hampered by the moribund state of the PS, Philippe joined Michel Vidal's Debout le Peuple (Stand Up, People) party. This is actually an old tactic: entryism. With regional elections looming in Hauts-de-France, Philippe sees a golden opportunity to apply his strategy of uniting the left against Vidal's will. Philippe pulls the strings in all camps. But Vidal is not fooled by his double game.