What makes you think I plan on paying more than 5 billion euros?
Our excessive deficit falls under the 2% of GDP
set by the treaties.
The education budget has put France in the red.
Hans advises a 5-year instalment plan for the EU sanctions.
And you think you and your clone at Deutsche Bank get to decide this?
The Chancellor listens to Hans. And he is reliably discreet.
Yes, Hans...
When Deutsche Bank tried to take over your bank
you didn't exactly like Hans.
His confidence shows Germany wants a rapid agreement.
They're saying talks haven't stalled.
Your German friends are great.
Spain is the Council's swing vote on sanctioning France.
Germany never meant...
Tell them that in France bankers don't determine diplomacy.
Thank you for coming. Good day.
I rescheduled your meeting with the by-law reform committee.
The Culture Minister will attend the IT job fair with you.
If he wants to, fine.
-Fanny? -Yes?
-Found it? -Nearly.
Philippe? It's no go for the budget.
They say it will never pass.
-Finance Ministry? -Carbonnieux, us, everyone.
Hello!
Pressure is on; no way out.
Cyril, simmer down! Keep cool.
Technocrats are stupid, stubborn,
bullying right-wingers, who pour on the pressure.
We must be just as stubborn. If not, we've already lost.
-They plan to trim the FISM. -The FISM?
The Fund for Inter-sector Modernization.
They aim to cut the 954 M euros to 25 M euros.
Piggy bank!
FISM isn't really an acronym. Oh, all right.
-What do I tell them? -Tell them to chop their cocks off!
Here it is.
Will Dunkirk's next mayor pursue Philippe Rickwaert's policies?
I'm proud to say that I will.
I was his deputy mayor for two terms. So, I'm quite familiar
with the sincere way he connects with Dunkirkers.
It's this relationship of trust that motivates and grounds me.
I'm very proud to serve my city. I love Dunkirk.
All my energy will go to protecting Dunkirk's interests.
There you have it!
There's your role model for commitment and motivation!
Romain, give us an overview of costs and interest.
There's no one clear-cut profile. Hiring perks must drop to 1.2.
Meet me in the foyer.
-Finished briefing? -Pardon?
Among "reasonable" men?
Excuse us, please.
Mr. President!
You reassured him a tad, didn't you?
Didn't you say, "The President is intelligent and pragmatic,
and non-payment would betray France's signature"?
-I didn't say that. -It's what you were thinking.
Go on! Let it rip, friend! It's your job.
The public isn't aware of the looming decision. But once it is...
Once it finds out a non-democratic power intends
to sanction France, the public will say Europe's gone mad.
I get your anger. A rift with Germany?
That would finalize France's decline.
Mr. President, you cannot denounce European treaties.
You cannot refuse to pay the 5 billion euros.
Granted, the fine is humiliating and absurd.
You cannot allow the markets to attack France.
You cannot allow interest rates to soar.
You can't denounce Europe's construction.
7½ hours in the prosecutor's office! 7½ hours saying I don't know you!
-Coming here wasn't wise. -Did you screw his wife?
What's wrong? Was the hearing tough?
What's wrong is the prosecutor doesn't like you at all.
I didn't hire the illegal aliens.
He says our ballot box caper is how I got...
You didn't get anything! Your name isn't on a shred of paper.
The lawyer told him that,
but he's a cunning, shitty, little prosecutor!
He's very suspicious of everything.
Suspicious? So what! There's zero proof.
Well, maybe... He threatens to make my life hell
unless I rat on you.
He's leading you on.
He wants to sack a minister, but can't. So he's scaring you.
Well, it's working!
He'll lay more charges on me:
like dodging payroll taxes, running a human trafficking ring.
Total BS!
He said City Hall will file a complaint for falsified invoices.
My City Hall? No way!
I know, but your deputy, Veronique whatchamajig, is different.
She plans a clean sweep.
Gérard, I'd know if she did, no?
Doesn't this worry you?
Do I look worried?
Sir, Mrs. Dorendeu wishes to see you.
Three cities can host the party's convention.
I want to read our motion's part about Europe.
I haven't written it yet. I'm still gathering people's views.
-No questions on Europe! -It takes the most negotiating.
Eurosceptic Kalhenberg and federalist Mirmont diverge.
One is Prime Minister, the other isn't. I don't want Kalhenberg's proposal.
I see. So you want a text with Kalhenberg's angle?
-Right! -Mirmont might not sign.
So? As long as we have the majority!
The goal was to unite the party, not a confrontation.
I want clarification. I want to renegotiate the treaties.
In examining our budgetary situation...
I see. I'll get by on my own, fend for myself, write it myself.
-No! -What do you mean "no"?
I'll submit you a few drafts.
I'll write it! Expect it in 2 days.
Hi there!
A day earlier than planned? I'm flattered.
You could sit over there.
I can wait one more day.
Fine.
Listen,
it's no fun, but you need to call Balleroy.
-Why? -To reassure him.
He fears the city may press charges for his Cultural Center bid.
Vero?
Our legal staff and I have examined every detail and angle.
We must file a complaint.
Otherwise, we look guilty. Payroll fraud,
failure to report new job hires... You know our legal duties.
We're responsible. I'm responsible. Not pressing charges is big news.
-Why didn't you tell me? -I couldn't inform you by phone.
Killing is easier face to face.
-No one is out to kill you! -Really?
What do you call pressing charges against Balleroy?
City Hall means me! Balleroy will sink me!
You tell him that I left you no choice, that I control City Council.
He'd never swallow that.
-It's the truth. -Sorry?
Philippe, just between us,
in 3 years you've presided 3 City Council meetings.
3 out of 29.
I've been the acting mayor for quite a while.
-That means my candidates... -Your candidates are mine now!
Claude Wieder lost his brother.
Sabine went back to her ex.
Pierre is so broke he sold his rare minerals collection.
Here's a shocker: Olivier Tirard found out
his sons voted FN in the legislatives.
Think I don't know Dunkirk gossip?
We can press charges against Balleroy.
He'll come off as a crook itching to get off the hook.
This lowers his credibility and covers us.
I can't tell whether you're naïve or totally cynical.
As you know, you can't second-guess judges!
I can't let the Right accuse me of corruption.
City mayors always get called crooks.
We hold our heads high and walk away. It's all we can do!
There's nothing else we can do!
I warned you about him on day one.
That's why you're punishing me?
-Get out! -Please...
-Out of here! -I'm leaving.
But tomorrow, City Council votes on pressing charges.
No, believe me, it's not enough. We need more cuts.
We're nowhere near Bercy's goals.
We can't slash subsidized jobs.
No, but why not have the labor board election in February?
It would trim 20 million off organizing their budget this year.
It's harsh, but...
Great! That's the way to go.
They will howl as far as Bercy!
Those guys are at your service.
Shout louder, or you'll have to file for permission to pee!
-Spot on! -When I'm out, you're the minister. OK?
All right.
I've got to go bawl out two of my city councilors.
Anything wrong?
Did Vero call you?
Yes, I haven't called back yet.
Then don't bother. We'll discuss it tomorrow.
Talk to you later. They've just arrived.
-Have a good evening. -You too.
-Mélanie, the labor board file! -Right away, sir.
Well...
Do you know why I called you?
A problem with Vero?
A problem, no. A reality, yes.
City Council alone won't elect Vero.
-What do you mean? -Explain this, then.
The best thing we can do for Vero is let her be elected by a citizens' vote.
Or she'll always be viewed as a puppet.
That's no good. She needs to be respected.
This is no time for an election.
Yes, it is.
I'm a popular minister. It will be a shoo-in for her.
Right-wing officials will resign.
They want a new election.
But forcing one requires a third of the Council.
That's why I need your resignations.
If you need us, that means Vero doesn't agree.
What are you worried about? It's a secret ballot vote.
She's not in the loop, eh?
Vero doesn't know.
She mustn't know until the Council meets.
That's risky, Philippe!
I've been mayor here for 12 years.
I'm better positioned than you to know what's risky or not.
Elected to serve you
Here we go.
Thanks.
-Here! -Thanks.
What's wrong?
I'm looking at you.
I've noticed.
We parents think if we stare at our kids
we'll be able to read their minds.
Actually, that doesn't work.
Actually, it's quite simple. I don't want to go to Paris.
-Why? -I can be an activist here.
I've recruited people. I can't throw it away.
-Stay in Dunkirk for activism? -You ought to be happy.
Paris has activism.
At Henri IV, I'd hardly have time.
I don't know anyone in our party in Paris.
Activism is everywhere since politics is everywhere.
Think it over.
I can stay if I give up activism?
No arguing, Salomé. There's something else.
What's the problem?
The problem is I'll decide for myself what I want to do.
How are you doing?
It's complicated.
-What's going on? -Listen,
-I came to ask for advice. -I'm listening.
This situation is... rather complex.
France will likely be fined by Brussels to...
-Are you all right? -Yeah...
I'm with you, Francis.
France will be fined in Brussels.
Hold on. Excuse me, please.
Could you please...
-Write it? -Yes.
While I put these in.
It's really...
Should France pay the 4.8 million euros fine for excessive debt?
Here.
-Europe! -The issue is...
I never know when it's going to hit me!
Some days, I wish I was totally deaf!
Yesterday, in my bedroom, and past the hall,
I heard a vacuum cleaner, a lawn mower...
They put me in another room.
What do I get? The heating duct blowing at me!
Thanks. I'm glad you're here.
Sure thing, Mom. I'm glad to be with you.
-You're not wearing your new dress? -It felt a bit much.
Our first female mayor! They must see you like never before!
Go on! You still have time.
You're right. Thanks.
Members of the Council, Dunkirk's Union of the Right,
which includes Republicans, Democrats, and Independents,
is crossing party lines to ask you to resign from this Council
so that Dunkirkers may elect their mayor by universal suffrage,
Thank you.
Thanks.
We will now vote.
All right.
16.
What?
As these 16 resignations make up one third of the city council,
we are required by law to hold a by-election with new candidate lists.
Now, the next item on the agenda is the Cultural Center case.
-It's not allowed! -City Council is dissolved.
Until the Prefect confirms the vote, the Council rules!
-The people must speak! -The Council rules!
Done! It's done!
The meeting is adjourned!
Thank you. Thank you. The meeting is adjourned.
-You're afraid of a vote! -Let's go!
The meeting is adjourned!
What did you do?
-The Voix du Nord reporter is here. -Yes, I asked him to call.
-Are you sure? What about Philippe? -What about him?
If I'm the mayor, it's my style: free.
It's Laugier. He wants me there.
-You've no idea why? -He's under pressure.
He'll want additional cuts, or changes to labor laws, or both.
It shouldn't take long.
You smell like love.
How are you, Philippe?
-Fine. -Sit down.
-A little whisky? -With pleasure.
Brussels will fine France for excessive debt.
And Spain will vote against us.
-Why are you telling me this? -To get your perspective.
-My perspective? -Yes.
You whistle for me like a dog after trying to kill me?
-I appointed you minister. -To box me in.
You want more war?
Walk out, call the press, and reveal it all.
There are two types of politicians:
those who put hate above ambition and...
"Those who put ambition above hate." I gave you that!
All the others think with their fear.
-How much is the fine? -Does it matter?
Could the Italians possibly...
No, forget it.
Pay it? Might as well hand the FN your office keys!
From powerlessness to submission!
France becomes a tiny province.
Gauls with no magic potion. We're dead.
France cannot accept a punishment. This is France! She can say no.
Europe without France ceases to be Europe.
Will Germany take this responsibility? Really? Then give them the thing.
Sanctions aren't our problem. They're theirs.
-France cannot accept a punishment. -Only a sacrifice.
A sacrifice is painful, yes, but it can be noble.
A sacrifice can be beautiful. The Bible is full of them.
What counts is the cause. It must be beautiful.
The question is what do we get in exchange.
See, we've reached the same reasoning.
-Have you thought of something? -Yes, fiscal harmonization.
-All taxes? -All of them.
We in the EU must stop fighting each other.
We take on China, India, the USA,
and we have a critical mass that makes us truly count.
-We've said that for 20 years. -But no one's done it.
We pay the fines, but we flip the rules. That's my approach.
First, you must refuse to pay in hopes of compensation.
Play empty chair politics.
Bring on the crisis, the show of strength.
Then you can negotiate.
The issue is no longer for or against Europe.
It's for or against you, the campaigning general.
And then, you're in something else.
Anything can change in a crisis. Everything can implode.
What counts is convincing them you won't pay the fine.
Will I be believed? I've always been a European.
That's your strength. That's the attraction.
A European opts for a show of strength.
But it needs to be staged. Time must be suspended.
Nobody should know what you'll do. Everyone must be in the dark.
It's the high sea. Something is happening.
-Thanks for answering. -It's fine.
I'm sorry about coming so late.
I don't know where he's going.
-You mean with the EU? -The sanctions.
He's serious about not paying.
-Is there any negotiating room? -Perhaps. I'm not sure, though.
You know the Commission.
-We need to talk. -Have a seat.
So, Baden-Baden...
I suspend all time.
You do like de Gaulle did. You vanish.
Anxiety sets in. PM Kalhenberg ignores your whereabouts.
Where's our leader? What's going to fall on our heads?
Two days before the European Council, you reappear and refuse to pay.
The crisis rages. We have every chance of winning.
Vanishing for two days in this age of Twitters
would be quite an exploit!
That's the point. Make a big, red stain!
We have no choice. That's why I'm here.
Look at Jesus.
He disappears, then reappears.
People have loved it for 2,000 years.
I had to go to the Ministry.
-Major trouble. -What's up?
An employment agency employee is holed up
with his kids and two rifles.
I must handle it with kid gloves, and discretely.
Sorry. I should have called you.
We'll talk tomorrow.
Yeah. Good night.
Shall I call up special forces?
They're together.
The Council meets on the 17th.
We leave 5 days before. On the 13th.
That'll leave a full week. It's perfect.
I'm taking you with me?
I'll be in the stolen photo.
There will be no other photo of your Baden-Baden.
We're both walking in the distance.
"The weekend that changed it all".
You're sharp.
I put my ambitions above my hate, but still...
I became a politician to defend minorities.
I'm proud of it.
But I want to go beyond that.
Do you recall the Israeli-Palestinian peace plan signed in Geneva?
The one against the Territories? What about it?
What EU aid does France get that irks Germans the most?
-CAP payments? -Right.
We slash farm subsidy policies in exchange for abandoning sanctions.
Philippe, have you heard about the city's complaint, you jerk?
What's all this?
I'm talking about your big whore, Veronique the pain!
What about Vero?
"My first step as mayor will be to file a complaint
"against the firm that built the Cultural Center for City Hall."
-What a bitch! -Bullocks!
-I'll tell the prosecutor. -Don't talk to anyone!
I'll handle this myself.
Philippe, I should be at work.
Your boss knows. We need to talk.
-I need you, Bruno. -That sounds worrisome.
You always wanted to be in politics.
You said you wanted to be one of my candidates.
As I recall, you said I wasn't... "up to snuff".
I want you to run your own list of candidates.
Is it because of Vero?
Is she going to sue you?
She wants to screw Gérard.
And our pal Gérard has you by the balls.
We must twist Vero's arm. You'll siphon off her voters.
After round one, your lists must merge.
She'll win, but I'll own her.
What about me?
Deputy of whatever.
I lack recognition. It'll be tight.
You'll get help in your campaign.
You have what it takes, the name especially, Rickwaert.
I don't know, Philippe. I have my life.
And a new girlfriend, Samantha. She's 30. We're crazy in love.
She wants kids.
I must introduce you two. She's so fine!
I'm happy for you.
Look, I don't feel comfortable with this deal.
Like I said, I've got my life.
So why go make a fool of myself handing out tracts?
Because you want to keep your job. You know how difficult Gérard can be.
What's the line we'll be feeding everyone?
You always help me.
I'm an ingrate. You're fed up and want your due.
Sounds good.
A lie is best when it's close to the truth.
Put Samantha in my election list.
Bruno Rickwaert Dunkirk First
Socialist Party, Dunkirk
-Damn! He did it! -Didn't your father tell you?
He thought it was bull and tried to dissuade him.
Your uncle's taking half our voters.
This town sucks!
Let me debate Vero.
By slashing 220 employment agency jobs and postponing the labor board vote,
-we fulfill the guidelines. -Perfect.
This will crop up again next year. Isn't this mere busywork?
-Next year's situation will change. -How so?
-It won't be the same. -But Matignon...
Matignon isn't where it's at. Thanks everyone.
Thank you very much.
My brother wants to debate Vero on TV.
-He's fearless. -He's starting to believe this.
Say, you and Vero have done the unimaginable.
Meaning?
You two came up with a dirty trick. It's nasty.
I had no choice. She went berserk.
She messed up. Next, she'll come whining to you.
She knows it's no use talking to me.
She tried, but saw it was futile.
Take better care of yourself, Cyril. Look at your face. You look pasty.
You've lost weight. Don't you eat?
-Yes, of course, I do. -Tofu?
Not just tofu. Don't worry!
Let's wrap up our reform plan
for curbing fraud in job assignments abroad.
Right, the RPCFJAA...
-Huh? -I'm joking...
about our acronym piggy bank.
Henri IV High School
Dunkirk, home to Jean Bart!
What a man! What a life! The legendary privateer!
He's our local hero.
Battling the Barbary pirates, the battle at Beachy Head,
the Dogger Bank fury.
I read all that as a boy.
It beats Game of Thrones, I can assure you.
He died at what... barely 50?
Sorry, I've always been against Jean Bart.
-Against Jean Bart? -Jean Bart is all over Dunkirk.
You find him on mugs and key chains. It's Jean Bart overkill.
However, I'll gladly tell you about King Henri IV,
and what color his white horse was.
Now there's something I've never heard!
The problem is this school is full, but your father insisted.
I know. Being a minister, he thinks he can snap his fingers.
Whereas for you, none of that counts.
He used to be a laborer.
He once worked in a foundry for 6 months.
I didn't know that.
With me alone,
your workers' children stats would soar.
Last year, you had zero. A huge issue!
It's been in all the papers!
Really? Can't you make a little room for me?
For you, miss,
I doubt a little room would be big enough.
I'll be in Dunkirk early on Sunday to vote.
Did you talk to Bruno?
He's crazy. He won't withdraw.
Shall I send Veronique a few Parisian activists to help?
No, we can handle it.
We can't afford to lose Dunkirk.
We won't lose it. That moron won't get 10%.
He won't make it to round 2.
Salomé.
She'll finish high school at Henri IV.
I'll call later to congratulate her.
-Are you seeing Francis tonight? -Pardon?
Rumor has it you're a regular evening guest.
-Do you talk about sanctions? -What sanctions?
I still have EU Commission friends.
We horrible technocrats stay in touch.
The meeting on the 17th looks bad for France.
Actually, no one knows. Aside from you, perhaps.
Is non-payment your idea?
We're simply working.
If he intended to pay, he wouldn't call on you.
Trying to play tough like Thatcher? With some manly sparring?
This is the worst possible timing!
-Germany holds elections soon. -Did I say I'd go to battle?
I agree about avoiding sanctions, but we must negotiate it.
There will always be time later.
Did you discuss balancing part of the CAP?
The Swedes and Italians will agree. I can make a few calls.
We cut our subsidy by 3 times the sanctions,
and in return, no sanctions on France. We all save face.
-Amelie, did I say I'd wage battle? -Ah, right...
You only wage war on hostage-takers at the employment center, eh?
DUNKIRK AT HEART, VERONIQUE BOSSO Fraternity, Efficiency
Bruno will trail you by about 100 votes.
How nice. It's not over yet. Careful!
He got 21% in precinct 16. That's huge.
-How much in precinct 4? -17%
You got 18.56% in precinct 16.
We'll trail the Republicans.
Maybe even the National Front.
You should call Philippe.
Bruno's score gets him in round 2.
No, I won't do anything until the final results are in!
Deliver to the President in person
You know, I'd rather we meet in person. Let's not discuss it on the phone.
How's your family?
Right.
May I call you back this evening?
OK, excuse me.
It's from Mediapart. They want a reply in 48 hours.
Mediapart Max Dagon, Publisher
Dear Mr. President, I have a few questions.
1. Did your wife receive money in the divorce?
2. If so, did it comply with tax law?
3. If not, were Dunkirk's public housing funds used?
Thank you for coming, Amelie. Wait in my office.
Are you all right?
Yes.
Amelie's here. She's aware of your EU plan.
She has an interesting proposal.
What is this all about?
We can do this heads held high by offering Germany a deal.
No sanctions, but in exchange we lower farm subsidies.
Fine. I'll make do.
Show her in.
-Precinct 16? -18.56%.
-No! -I swear!
Bruno's ramming his way in!
Bruno isn't. Rickwaert is.
Hold a second.
I'll call you back.
-Philippe? -Hi, Vero.
We need to meet.
France is released from the sanctions now.
-What? -Germany's refusal is a game-changer.
She's right.
I've always wanted to go at loggerheads with Germany.
Here, Germany is asking for it.
Refusing our proposal on the CAP is a provocation!
We'll show the entire EU that Germany is out to punish us.
No CAP cuts for sanctions? It sounds like they want a rift!
-And a shutdown? -A shutdown for the world's 5th power?
Whatever the market attack type,
we can hold out 45 days. Beyond that, it's a shutdown.
The truth is that France is too poor to pull off a show of force.
Martin is right.
History will show we did our best to avoid France's humiliation.
And I had to accept sanctions
for the sake of the European construction.
Madame, gentlemen: meeting adjourned.
Vero, you wanted to see me?
Bruno and I now have to merge.
With four vying, the Republicans can't lose.
What do you want?
Ask Bruno. He's the one running.
Knock it off, Philippe.
I see. It'd be simpler if it were me.
We know each other well after 15 years.
But you turned the page.
I was so upset after the Council meeting that I...
-I messed up. -Let's not go overboard.
I know you. I can guess what you're thinking.
What I'm thinking?
You're talented, but someone should protect you from yourself.
I don't need to be protected.
I need to know if you're with me.
Of course.
You have to be mayor and keep running the city.
People need us.
I'll be ever farther away, beside Francis.
You see each other?
That's Bruno.
Now we need to merge your candidates lists.
How shall we go about it, proportional to each score?
The majority for me.
I mean Bruno's list.
It's to be expected. Trust is great, but...
playing safe is better.
Excuse me.
-Amelie, how are you? -Philippe, we have a problem.
-Laugier... -What's wrong?
-I don't get it. -Tell me.
He plans to pay the sanctions without any talks.
He'll ruin everything. Call me later.
Amelie told me, but I don't get it. You plan to pay the fine?
Mediapart is on my back.
They'll be on yours when they bring out the OHL case.
No one can trace the political funding.
It's more complex than that.
I gather that some guy is trying to connect the OHL and my divorce.
Divorce?
Yes, how an embezzlement of low-incoming housing in your town
was used to settle my dispute with Nicole.
Do you realize how hard it is to lead an international charge
while handling a situation like this?
Your divorce...
So the money I slipped you for your campaign was for Nicole?
I was hesitant to tell you at that time.
She blocked everything. It could have lasted years.
She wanted more than the 700,000 euros settlement.
When I realized 200,000 euros in cash would seal the deal,
I didn't hesitate.
You conned me for 200,000? Did the bank shut your account?
Mortgaging would fix it in a week!
I had a hearing the following day.
If you fail to agree, the procedure takes another 6 months.
Kalhenberg might have won the primary.
I was adrift. I was about to lose it all, Philippe.
Shut your trap!