Former French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has published a memoir in which he candidly discusses his relationship with Stéphane Séjourné. In response, he faced a wave of homophobia—and, it seems, has launched his presidential campaign.
A book has been published in Paris that everyone who has been following the fate of “Macronism” has been waiting for. Gabriel Attal, who until recently was called a “political prodigy” and “mini-Macron,” has released a work titled "To Be a Free Person" (To Be a Free Man).
But instead of debating public debt or education reform, France is discussing a new outbreak of hate on social media. Journalist Denis Kataev attended the presentation and noted that French “tolerance” ends when a politician decides to be too candid.
Table of Contents
What is this book about?
This isn't just a report on the government's work. Attal attempted to paint a human portrait of those in power. The most talked-about part is his relationship with the former foreign minister. by Stéphane Séjourne.
Although virtually everyone in France knew about their relationship (and subsequent breakup), Attal was the first to describe it “from the inside.” He spoke about how difficult it is to balance the role of the nation’s second-in-command with maintaining a right to privacy when the tabloids and political opponents are watching your every move.
What happened after the publication?
As soon as excerpts from the book appeared online, Attalia was bombarded with a barrage of homophobic insults. Most of them came from supporters of far-right groups and radical conservatives.
The hashtag featuring the politician's last name was flooded with hate speech. His opponents accused him of "narcissism" and of trying to divert attention from the country's real problems with "personal details."
Attal himself, however, was prepared for such a move. As Denis Kataev notes, the politician appeared confident at the book launch. For him, this book is a way to “normalize” his biography ahead of a possible run for the Élysée Palace.
Why is this important for France's future?
Gabriel Attal is one of the country's most popular politicians. Many see him as Emmanuel Macron's natural successor in the election 2027.
By publishing a book like this, Attal is staying one step ahead. He tells his own story, leaving no room for “sensational revelations” from smear campaigns.
The reaction to the book has shown that France remains deeply divided. While Paris debates the right to freedom of expression, the provinces and the far right are displaying harsh intolerance.
For Attal, this scandal has been a baptism by fire of sorts. If he can weather this wave of hate while maintaining his approval ratings, it will prove that France is ready for its first openly gay president. If, however, the backlash takes a toll on his popularity, “Macronists” will have to look for another candidate.
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