Travelling back from the province of Ibelin, where he offered his support to Carmichael's continued electoral run, Freddy François stopped in Edgardia to adress some AAP-partisans. A few journalists succeeded in accessing the pub where François answered held his speech.
Fellow partymembers,
this morning I received today's newspaper I read a transcript from mr. Bertrand's comment on the elections and my petition to have the electoral results annulled.
According to him, I am a bitter man. Let me assure you, I am not. As a matter of fact, I anticipated a electoral loss and I told our party leader so a few days prior to the elections.
At that time it was already apparently clear that members of the conservative party would favour mr. Bertrand's candidacy. I am not naïve and know that many citizens of Baudrix stand behind the ACP, which is there good democratic right.
My petition to have the elections in Baudrix annuled, has already been described as "rubbish". I believe it is not. It is not an attempt to sabotage mr. Bertrand or to irritate the conservative majority.
Frankly, I am getting tired of those shouting and screaming for 'scandal' everytime a citizen pleads for a respect of the law and for the fundamental rights and liberties in this Nation.
In these elections it is a fact that the electoral roll was not published as the law provides and it is a fact that there is a lot uncertainty and confusion about who voted and who was eligible to vote in the province of Baudrix. This is very unfortunate. All I ask is that the High Court, in its impartial wisdom, determines what is the consequence thereof.
If it would appear that the elections indeed need to be annuled, I hope that the governmental authorities will accept this as a lesson in good governance, which I find more important than anything else.
A member of the AAP intervenes and asks Freddy François a direct question: "What will you do if your petition fails and you do not gain that seat in parliament, mr. François?"
"Je suis entouré par le doute", François smiles.
As you all know, I do not see myself as a politician. I continue to think that the political scene is not my natural habitat. However, I also believe that the electoral results show that we cannot, and I include myself, abandon our party.
Mr. Bertrand's party has evolved from a liberal alternative to another alternative for liberalism. In the next session of parliament, we shall see no opposition and bills who failed a few weeks ago, will surely be reintroduced and now get full support. Therefore, we must remain vigilant and continue our work for liberty, democracy and solidarity.
To conclude my answer, I am also in doubt as to whether I will hold my position as deputy-minister of finance. Perhaps a talk with minister Frias, as well as prime minister Ciervo is in order to clarify what is expected from me in that function.
As Freddy François stands up and intends to leave, someone shouts: "Rumor has it that you will move to Ibelin?"
"Then who will shadow mr. Bertrand from the hills near Geneva to the sandy beaches of Diverney?!", François jokes.