Today's guest is the Black Baron, the "Student Whisperer".
Hello Philippe Rickwaert.
What do you say to those who are accusing you
of manipulating France's youth?
It's impossible to manipulate someone like Mehdi Fateni.
I'm not that that powerful.
But you are a powerful man.
You got thousands of students to take to the streets.
I consider it my duty to push our youth to assert themselves,
to express their view of society as citizens,
and take their future into their hands.
All Socialists should do the same.
Are you asking your Party leaders to encourage the students
to protest against Prime Minister Mirmont
who is a Socialist himself?
I'm asking them to behave as true Socialists,
whether or not we're in power.
Otherwise, what's our purpose?
To hang posters during elections and say "amen" to everything?
Are you forming a Rickwaert "faction" within the Party?
Is your goal to lead the Party?
Will you challenge Amelie Dorendeu
at the next conference?
Will you or won't you
run for First Secretary of your party?
Here's the issue.
We can't implement social change without the youth.
I don't want the Left to disappoint them again.
So I'm asking our youth to "become the Left".
Join the Socialist Party.
Nourish the Party with your hopes and dreams.
Fuel it with your enthusiasm and your fighting spirit.
Change it from the inside.
Without you the Party is a lifeless planet.
The PM will be here shortly. Let's begin.
Jean Orsoni called me last night.
Lots of people have joined in Marseille, Rennes and Strasbourg.
They're all young people who belong to a new organization,
"Friends in Blue".
Founded in Dunkirk last week by Veronique Bosso.
Then we better bring in new support as well.
I've put our local leaders on it, but...
-But what? -I may have a better solution.
You do? Tell me.
A good old bureaucratic manoeuver.
What are you thinking?
Philippe tried to use the statutes to block my election.
It's time for payback.
Remember when you didn't want to run the Party?
Philippe's "kids" need 6 months as party members to be eligible to vote.
If we move the next conference forward, they'll only have 5 months.
Pretty good.
You know, I'm well aware
of what this feud has meant to you, emotionally speaking.
Maybe it still does.
No?
Thank you for your concern.
But everything's back to normal.
Viviane Aurillac... Does that name ring a bell?
-The Right-wing senator from Isère? -That's her.
A very beautiful woman, I hear.
Very. I knew her very well.
People speak of "political life".
You can control politics. It's much harder to control life.
Eat something. Bon appetit!
SOCIALIST PARTY DUNKIRK
Everyone here?
Friends, our agenda is quite full, so let's get started.
Before the debate on the political situation,
I have the pleasure of introducing you to 6 new members.
Bravo!
They're still rallying in their schools, so cheer them on!
-Salome! I'll walk you back. -OK.
How's my father? Any news? Is he OK?
Why ask me? Ask him.
He'll just give me protest figures.
Those are important too.
Do you know what's up with Amelie?
-I think it's over. -I thought so too.
So what's this about a "stepping-stone"?
The PM's office wants our opinion on their proposal.
An extra 200 euros? Mirmont's a big spender!
Per month. An extra 200 euros per month for all internships.
Including vocational students.
-That's pretty good. -Hang on, it's just a big carrot.
So they can avoid the quotas.
They just want the strikes to end.
Why did they talk to you about this deal?
I represented the Young Socialists at the coordination meeting.
But you were just observers.
-Don't forget "One Man, One Vote"! -Shut up! This isn't a joke.
I don't care about your Socialist spat.
-Enough. -No, it's not enough.
200 euros per internship. That means a lot to low-income students.
But it won't help vocational students get undergraduate education.
It improves study conditions.
Marx said one step forward is worth a thousand programs.
This is your step forward. Do you understand me?
I'll be back.
Thanks, Mehdi. Take care.
Mirmont's buying off the students.
Mehdi couldn't stop it?
Not with that rich YS kid
and that jerk who thinks he's Che Guevara.
The vocational students still want quotas.
They're dead broke. For 200 euros, they'll forget the quotas
and return to class. You've never been poor.
I don't understand something.
200 euros per internship is a pretty penny.
With Brussels pressuring them on the deficit,
where do they get the money?
Private businesses pay for the internships.
Mirmont can't make this work without them.
Marquez agreed, on behalf of the employers union.
The small businesses' union agrees to match the State's contribution.
He even gave me a nice pen.
They'll want the money back, somehow.
That's part of the deal.
Exemption from social charges on minimum wage salaries
when hiring the long-term unemployed.
How much will it cost?
2 to 2.5 billion.
2 billion or 2.5 billion?
2.5 billion for a full year.
It's well worth it, if we reconnect with the youth
and get rid of Rickwaert.
OK.
Marquez will make a statement tomorrow.
Can you please explain what's going on?
-We're meeting Boudard. -Auzanet's advisor?
Exactly. Auzanet's waiting. Boudard will take you to him.
Why should I meet him?
How does Mirmont pay for the internships?
He cut a deal with the business leaders.
Think about it. Auzanet, head of the Conservatives,
is the best man to convince them to refuse?
I'm lost.
Marquez...
head of the small businesses' union, is Right-wing.
Of course. The bosses' boss.
Auzanet owns him.
Makes sense. He runs the Right.
Are you following?
We're talking about the small businesses' union.
1.5 million small businesses.
They hire the most interns.
Mirmont thinks Marquez is under his thumb.
With Auzanet's help, we'll sabotage the deal.
If Marquez won't pay for the internships,
how can Mirmont buy the students?
He can't. So, we're back to quotas.
It's simple. Quotas are the only way to win. The rest is all defeat.
Auzanet doesn't care about quotas.
-He wants to provoke the government. -Yes...
and recruit the head of the student movement: you!
-You're serious? -He's impressed by you.
You know I'm on the Left.
-There's no way... -You can lie.
Just go and do as I say.
Be nice, be pleasant.
Say "yes" to everything. I'll do the rest.
There's Boudard.
-Philippe... -What?
I can't...
Come on. Trust me, you'll see.
Don't worry.
-You're getting me in trouble. -Stop worrying.
Hello.
Let's go.
Look at this. Beautiful, right?
Is that Marquez?
Knives are being sharpened in the shadows.
The sweet scent of conspiracy.
Hello. I'm so pleased to see you.
-Mr. Marquez... -Hello. I'm Mehdi.
-Thank you. -Take care.
Sorry to meet you here, but my flight's in 15 minutes.
The Mayor of London is an old friend.
-You've been to London? -No, I haven't.
-You like English football? -I'm an Arsenal fan.
-Will you watch tonight's game? -I'll try my best.
Why don't you join us?
-Where? -The Emirates Stadium.
The Mayor's taking me there. He supports Chelsea,
but he'd love to see you in the Presidential box.
-Mehdi, I'm serious. -I can't. I'm sorry.
I understand.
Protests, meetings, the media... Bad timing.
I'll mention you to the Mayor.
He'll send you tickets to an upcoming game.
Philippe told you of my proposal?
Main candidate for Paris in the European elections. A nice offer.
-Yes, it is. -And I'm confirming it to you.
The country has changed but the Right doesn't see it.
It's stuck on colonialist values of the past.
Mehdi, I need someone like you.
There aren't many. In fact, there's only one.
I'm looking at him.
I've very flattered, thank you.
I sense a slight hesitation.
-Normally, I'm Left-wing. -Left-wing? What does that mean?
You know. Redistribution, sharing, public service...
Then I'm Left-wing too!
You said "normally". Nothing's "normal" anymore.
Appearances, on the surface...
I'll use all my political experience to tackle the true values.
But I need to think freely, without constraints.
That's why I reacted positively and very publicly
to your quota proposal.
I'll tell you something.
There's no justice without efficiency.
That is my personal conviction.
I've seen you at work, Mehdi.
It's yours too. Am I wrong?
-No. -No, I'm not wrong.
-A prediction for tonight? -3-1 for us.
-Speaking like a true fan. -They can do it.
-Bet? -Bet.
-See you soon. It was a pleasure. -Goodbye.
Have a good flight.
My driver will take you back.
There's an important detail.
Our lists were already submitted. We'll have to push this through.
There's no time to waste. Let's meet tomorrow.
We'll sort out the paperwork, and it'll be settled.
OK.
-Nothing happened. -She had a big butt.
It's the hunter's technique.
Hunter? You mean fisherman.
You caught a whale!
Who the hell are you?
-I was invited. -Who invited you?
What's going on here? Who invited you?
Dad!
Oh, shit!
Damn, watch out!
I'm fine!
Damn you...
-So? -20 euros?
It's only 3 packs of cigarettes. You can pay later.
Say we both join the Socialist Party.
What's in it for us? Internships with the Mayor?
What a jerk!
That's not how it works.
You get to vote for the candidates in each election.
There are 2 monthly meetings. Tuesday's the next one.
-Will you come? -On one condition.
Go ahead.
-Show us your tits. -Are you crazy?
Just once. Socialists share, don't they?
-Between comrades... -Calm down, you little virgins!
-What's wrong? You jealous? -You can show us yours too.
-Yeah, right! -Let's go.
What prudes!
Where the hell were you?
-You OK? -I can't.
Why not?
I can't, I won't. I was up all night.
Why didn't you call me?
-What's wrong? -I'm not signing with the Right.
What did Philippe say?
"Meet him, sign the papers, get the quotas.
"Later, you change your mind." It won't work.
No. It's only for a week.
Once Marquez makes a statement, it'll be forgotten.
My signature won't be erased in a week.
Who will even know?
Auzanet won't boast about you screwing him over.
That guy scares me. He always has.
I'm here. So is Philippe.
I told you, he's loyal.
You have to learn to trust.
Wait... Listen...
-You don't trust me? -Please, listen.
-Trust... -Listen!
We want kids to join the Socialists. How can I join the Right?
It just doesn't work. I'm sorry.
-Mehdi! -What?
Philippe took risks for you.
He could have lost everything. A lifetime of commitment.
And you... You've only been doing this for a month!
Let's go.
Take this.
I'm sorry.
That asshole Mehdi stood me up. No answer.
-What about Rickwaert? -He left messages.
-I wanted to speak to you first. -That was a good move.
What do we do? Call Marquez back?
No. Let's let Rickwaert quietly backstab Mirmont.
Jean-Marc Auzanet. Please leave a message.
Jean-Marc, call me back.
It'll work out. Mehdi freaked out, but he'll be OK.
We need to talk.
-What's up? -LCI News called.
They want to do a piece on you. What do I say?
I messed up.
-I'm sorry. -You should be.
Hey, let's not miss Marquez on RTL.
He's on now.
... at the helm of the powerful union of small and medium businesses,
what's your position on the trainees' and interns' strike?
This strike has hit our businesses hard.
We're the ones paying the price.
Now, the State expects us to pay for these interns?
In practice, that would mean no more internships.
How greatly is your sector affected?
Today, no sector is immune to competition.
The small business owner and craftsman worries each day
about incoming orders and payments.
How can they absorb any additional expenses?
Rickwaert helped us, but he won't get away scot-free.
Ouch, I have a cramp.
-Is it sciatica? -No, it's Rickwaert.
I don't like rotten apples.
Grinning and bearing it isn't the only choice.
Otherwise, the cramp might get worse.
Let's put these pictures to use.
Very good.
This is perfect!
Thanks to our friend Marquez, Mirmont's exposed.
At the next protest, we'll celebrate victory!
All Paris must be in blue.
Tell Mehdi to stop sulking. It'll be his big day.
I think he'll be pleased.
He was upset, the other day.
That's all in the past. Tell him I love him.
Let's move ahead.
OK.
-Back to the publicity agenda. -I'm all yours, my dear.
"Why is the revaluation of internships a government priority,
"despite the unions' predatory attitude..."
Excuse me?
"The unions' predatory attitude"?
Yes.
Given their about-face, I don't think it's excessive.
I think that's quite brutal.
Let's try...
"Despite a lack of cooperation..." That's softer.
Look, Laurent...
This is what stepping-stones are for.
They allow people to act freely and change their position.
We need to find an exit strategy.
You'll go on the news, at 8 PM tonight,
You'll deny this internship business and talk quotas.
Mr. President, quotas are an insult to the Republic.
I thought so last week, and I still do.
I thought you agreed.
What are our options?
We'll just say it's an experiment.
I'm the son of a teacher and the grandson of a farmer.
France's meritocratic system brought me to where I am today.
Not an Anglo-Saxon quota system.
I want to end this.
I'm listening, Bruno.
-I've been thinking. -Great.
We should talk to Port Authority, to regain use of landing 11.
-From what I know... -Very good idea.
I started negotiating last Thursday. It's looking good.
Anything else?
-Did Philippe talk to you? -No, why?
-He said he'd talk to you. -About what?
About promoting me to project manager.
What's Philippe got to do with it?
Seriously, don't play that game.
You don't get it?
Why do you two get everything?
I've stuck my neck out for both of you.
In Hall F, how much storage space do we have?
How much? In pallets?
In cubic meters.
A project manager should know his shop
better than his own wife's pussy.
-35 000 cubic meters? -Nice try. Now double that!
I think you're where you belong. At the right level.
Keep it up. Stick with what you know.
What did you know about construction work,
until we landed you the Arts Center?
There it is! If your brother helps me, I have to help you?
That's really not very reassuring.
First, you say you're capable.
Then I owe you something, because you're a Rickwaert?
Either you have the balls to manage, or you're just Philippe's brother.
I can't tell anymore.
Why wasn't I told?
The chancellery just alerted us.
All the elements are here, if you want.
No, it's too late to improvise.
OK, where were we?
Article 3-15, paragraph 2.
Has everyone found it?
Mr. President,
It is with great sadness that I feel obliged
to submit my resignation to you.
-Hi there. -How are you?
Good, and you?
Good. I brought a cake.
Dad, Salome's here.
My favorite niece!
"Philippa" Rickwaert. The little big-hearted princess.
-Bruno, stop it. -What?
-Aren't you a true militant now? -Am I?
I'm certainly proud of you.
Not like these jerks who only think of their own butts.
We need kids like her.
Are you done? Leave her alone.
What? I'm proud of her. Can't I tell her?
Sure you can.
-Do you mind? -No, thanks.
You don't really care what I have to say.
Why are you talking like that?
That's the problem with politics. No one ever laughs.
Every day, there's a new crisis. No time for fun.
Your dad's the same. He was funny when he was young.
Sorry, I have to go.
-I'm joking. Sit down. -I'd rather go.
-Sit your ass down! -Hey, Dad!
Wait! I mean it, wait!
Thanks, keep me posted.
-Mirmont has come back to Paris. -He didn't see the Chancellor?
No, he suddenly hopped on a plane back.
-That smells like a resignation. -Don't be silly.
It's the President. Hello, Mr. President.
-Hi Daniel. -How can I help you?
I have a proposal for you.
I'll be in Paris tonight. Come see me.
OK, see you later.
So?
So, kids, how does it feel to have beheaded a PM?
-It's not official yet. -His TV appearance is cancelled.
I can't believe it.
He's going home, tail between the legs. After 6 months !
Now, they have to agree to quotas.
Somebody's panicking.
Amelie.
Come in.
Marc, I was expecting you. You OK?
What a waste, sir.
Where do you want to go?
I'd like to return to judiciary.
-Really? -We'll see what they offer.
Didn't you recently mention the Versailles appellate court?
It's a possibility.
Consider it done, Vice-President.
Thank you very much, Mr. Mirmont.
-I need your help. -Of course.
Don't worry, it's nothing too hardcore.
Thank you.
He was brought in for sabotaging a voting station
in Dunkirk, during the legislative elections.
CASE TRANSFER Paris Public Prosecutor
2 months later, under a fake name,
he won a public call to tender, to everyone's surprise.
Was it a coincidence?
I think we need a quick answer from a competent magistrate.
Very well. Thank you, sir.
Come in.
You want a drink?
Some coffee? A glass of wine?
How about champagne?
Bringing down our PM makes you happy?
Very. He wasn't really one of us.
You know what this reminds me of?
Your story about 1932.
You're right. It's hard to forget.
This is nothing like that.
You and Laugier are killing each other.
You're dividing the Left. The only winner is the extreme right.
Laugier used violence to undermine the protest.
-If I hadn't shown up in blue... -Yes, he used violence.
But you pitted the street against our government.
You're both alike. You have no limits.
Someone has to stop you.
Who, you ?
I'm not like you.
My life doesn't revolve around the next 5 elections.
-I forgot. You have no ambition. -I have ambition.
But when I walk on stage, I get a rash and my back hurts.
My ambition is to do my job well.
As First Secretary, that means uniting the Party.
Gathering the Left together.
Not to be a downer, but that'll be hard.
Why? You want to run the Party?
-You won't succeed. -We'll see at the conference.
Your "Blue" friends who keep joining?
The conference will be moved forward.
They won't be able to vote. They won't have 6 months' membership.
I had a good teacher. Now I respect the statutes.
I'll take this all the way to the Council of State.
Go ahead. You'll have a verdict in...
4 or 5 years.
This why you asked me over? To tell me this?
Kalhenberg will be appointed PM.
I convinced Francis it was the best option.
The former rivals have made up.
A new and united dynamic.
Kalhenberg wants you as Labor minister.
He's arguing over it with Francis. But with my backing, it'll pass.
Me, a Laugier minister?
-In Kalhenberg's government. -For Laugier.
Go work on the quotas. You've won.
Did you hear me? You won!
Now, follow it through.
You should already be a minister.
That's enough.
Is it so hard to admit I'm right? Ask Daniel. He'll agree.
Who else can you be minister for?
What's the alternative?
Being the eternal rebel,
the know-it-all, the beautiful loser ?
At least I'll be free.
Who says you should be free?
You're here to bring a little freedom to others.
Me, a Labor minister?
It's a great job and it suits you perfectly.
Do you realize how far you've come?
Are you afraid to succeed?
Be less arrogant and more proud of yourself.
It would do us all good, especially me.
-You've changed. -I didn't exactly have a choice.
I'll do it.
The President will be back at 10 PM. He's seeing Kalhenberg.
I'll keep you posted.
But it's looking good.
If it makes you happy...
The Chancellor wants to address the refugee issue.
We received the Chancellery's memo.
We fully agree on the numbers.
Very good. Can we get started?
With pleasure.
Mr. President, may I have a word? It's urgent.
Please excuse me.
This was posted on a Right-wing blog this morning.
It was retweeted late afternoon.
Rue 89 published the first article, a half-hour ago.
A Student Leader in Troubled Waters
Thank you.
That little shit! He figured out the system pretty quickly.
-Damn! -Stop it.
You think I'm plotting with the bosses and businessmen?
You'd do anything to rile Laugier.
Look...
-The Right does fine without me... -Don't waste your breath.
Believe what you want.
Laugier will think I'm guilty. I won't be minister.
Protect yourself.
4th floor, apartment 47.
Good evening, Ma'am. Sorry to bother you.
-I'd like to speak to Mehdi. -Who shall I say is here?
Philippe Rickwaert MP.
Mom! Who is it?
It's OK.
Hi.
Give good head, you bastard.
Auzanet and his bitch
Why are you looking at this garbage?
You shouldn't.
The web can be depressing.
I know how you feel.
You were committed to a cause.
You took risks for others.
Now it looks like you'll sell your ass to anyone.
Don't have regrets. We won.
That's why it's so brutal.
A pleb and an Arab kid... They want us to pay.
-I know all that. -So why are you upset?
They want you to be ashamed, to hide out.
They're succeeding.
Are you angry? Do you hate them?
Good. Use that hatred.
In politics, hatred goes further than diplomas.
In any case, this is where we're at... trying to fix things.
How will you do that?
By becoming minister.
You, a minister for Laugier?
I don't care about the title.
But only the President has real power.
-So why be a minister? -I'll be the "protest" minister.
At first, I'll be cool.
Soon, I'll stick my nose everywhere, question everything.
I'll defend my own position.
I'll harass Laugier, from my minister's desk.
There's a division within the government.
-There will be a primary. -What about the photo?
It'll stop you from being minister.
-Clear my name and no one will care. -What do you mean?
You make a statement.
You agreed to run for the Right in the European elections.
Why did you see Auzanet? Because he backed the quota proposal.
Mirmont did nothing but insult you.
Everyone knows I'm Left-wing, because you and I work together.
Say I disappointed you. I asked you to join the Party.
You refused, and I couldn't accept that.
You're young and free. You don't care about political parties.
Auzanet never asked you to join his, did he?
Clear my name and I become minister.
You become a European MP. We keep fighting.
-I can leave whenever I want? -Of course you can.
Once I'm a candidate in the primary, that's when you come back.
What do you say?
OK.
-Just OK? -What?
I'll be a "protest" European MP. We'll annoy the shit out of them.
That's the spirit!
-Let's go. -Where?
-Let's write your statement. -Right now?
When else? It's the perfect time.
Why I am joining Jean-Marc Auzanet
Has the President read it?
Yes, according to Borde. I'm not sure he was moved.
He needs to understand something.
Rickwaert stirring people up, this changes things.
He'll push me to the Right. I have my political stance.
-This wasn't part of the deal. -No, it wasn't.
You sold me this office with united Party support.
I'm warning you. Fix this or I'll refuse the position.
Let me sort this out with Laugier.
It's important you take care of yourself.
Good morning.
-Ms. Amelie Dorendeu. -Have her enter.
Thank you.
-Where is Daniel? -We must consolidate our side.
Naming Kalhenberg as PM isn't enough to unite the Party?
Not without Rickwaert. Especially not over a misunderstanding.
A misunderstanding?
I'm sure he didn't sell Mehdi to Auzanet.
Did he tell you that?
We haven't spoken since his show in Parliament.
But I've seen Mehdi.
He came to see me, wanting to join the Party.
-In exchange for compensation. -Compensation?
To be a Socialist candidate in the European elections.
I didn't like his attitude. His way of imposing conditions.
I played for time, left it open.
He decided to try his luck elsewhere.
I think his disappointment with the Left is sincere.
He acted for himself, not for Rickwaert.
He knows what he wants and he's too impatient for Philippe.
You also know exactly what you want.
What do you mean?
If this little fairy tale can help unite the Left,
let's make an effort to believe in it.
-I assure you... -Stop.
That's enough for today. Go reassure your friends.
Mr. President.
Daniel, come in. I'm happy to see you.
-Hello. -Hello, sir.
-The minister's office? -Your name?
Cyril Balsan.
That way, first door on the left.
-Thank you. -You're welcome.
-Hi there. -Hi.
-It's this way? -If we don't get lost first.
Mr. Minister!
-Did you find your offices? -What?
You're hired, my friends.
Press/communications advisor. Chief of Staff.
Fanny, you... take this one.
Isn't it for your assistant?
Who cares about my assistant? This'll be more fun.
More fun? What do you mean?
What does "more fun" mean?
I mean... it'll be more practical.
We'll have files to share...
-What? -You're cute. That's all.
I'm cute.
I'll go to my office.
Yeah, great.
"Yeah, great." I can't believe I said that.
The City brings culture closer to you
5.35 million euros
--Hi, Veronique. -Hi, Officer.
-How's it going? -The inspector is checking.
No proper work contracts and 15 illegal workers.
Was there a surprise inspection?
No. We've been on Balleroy for a while. The Public Prosecutor gave us a push.
Congratulations.
-Excuse me? -I said, congratulations.
With Philippe as minister, you'll become Mayor.
Thank you.
Hello? How's it going?
-You have to come. -What do you mean?
Come live here. The apartment is magnificent.
You'll be in a top school. It's the only way to be together.
I thought you'd be happy.
-I am happy. -When are you coming?
I'm not alone right now. Can I call you back later?
-Who's there? -Some friends.
Sure.
-I love you, honey. -Bye.
You OK?
My dad wants me to live in Paris.
What about you?
I don't know.
-Those two jerks are right. -What?
To want to see your tits.
-Show me? -Don't be silly.
I'll join the extreme right...
You a real Nazi bitch, aren't you?
What's wrong?
Should I move to Paris or not?
What do you want?
Secretary of Trade and Tourism Jean-Marc Dampierre
Prime Minister Daniel Kalhenberg
Minister of Labor and Employment Philippe Rickwaert