Exemplarity in politics, a democratic requirement or an illusion?

The word “exemplarity” has never been invoked as much in recent months in political debate. It is in its name that Jack Lang had to resign from the presidency of the Arab World Institute, that Marine Le Pen was sentenced in first instance to a sentence of ineligibility, or that Nicolas Sarkozy was incarcerated for three weeks at the Santé prison.

It is also used to criticize the travels, restaurant bills, and expensive dress purchases of Anne Hidalgo. Claimed through François Ruffin’s proposal to be paid the minimum wage if elected president of the Republic or in light of the promises of an “exemplary Republic” praised by Emmanuel Macron at the beginning. According to many studies, mayors inspire confidence because they show more exemplarity and honesty.

Exemplarity has become a key concept in our democracy. The French use it as a determining criterion in deciding whether or not to trust their leaders. But between the obscene gesture of former Justice Minister Éric Dupond-Moretti in the hemicycle and the announcement of his referral to the Court of Justice of the Republic for “illegal taking of interests,” the four-year prison sentence of former senator Joël Guerriau for drugging Member of Parliament Sandrine Josso, and the luxury dinners of the President of the Rhône-Alpes Regional Council being criticized in 2024, is everything on the same level?