It’s a real challenge but Yann Wehrling, president of the “Positive Ecology” party, says he is ready to take it on. Vice-president of ecological transition within the Île-de-France regional council, this close friend of Valérie Pécresse has decided to launch into the European elections in the field of non-radical ecology. The campaign began this week with the presentation of a list of 11 names and the leader must soon begin a tour of the regions.
While the EELV movement is credited with 6% to 9% of voting intentions in the polls six months before the European election, what can the former general secretary of the Greens who worked for the MoDem hope for? “Ecology is doing badly because it no longer inspires desire,” judges Yann Wehrling, “we want to restore desire by being more in the proposal than in the criticism.” The elected official believes he can win over voters who are fleeing environmental radicalism. “When the situation becomes very serious, which is the case today, it is essential to sit around a table to find solutions. “Hysterizing is creating anxiety, targeting culprits is creating blockages,” he accuses. Denouncing an ecology that is broken down, even in decline, he calls for a change in discourse on many subjects, including energy. “To say that nuclear power has no place is not reasonable. We have to get out of dogmas and get into reality,” maintains Yann Wehrling.
With 2009 figures in mind (Daniel Cohn-Bendit’s 16%), he thinks that a moderate list, carrying a pragmatic vision comparable to that of the German Greens, can convince. “Our slogan is to make people want again,” insists the regional elected official, before recalling that climate and environmental issues remain at a very high level among the expectations of French people.
The “Positive ecology and territories” list is a mosaic of movements. Among those who support the approach we find in particular the former Minister of Ecological Transition Corine Lepage (Cap 21), the Paca regional advisor Christophe Madrolle, the regionalist Jean-Luc Davezac (United Countries Federation), Isabelle Jacono (France Écologie ), Éric Lafond (100% Citizens) and Aloïs Lang Rousseau (Les Universalistes). For Yann Wehrling, this team is a guarantee of bringing together all environmentalists outside Nupes. “We decided to meet up because there is a desire to have people with whom it is possible to discuss, particularly in economic circles.”
If Europe were to open environmental projects tomorrow, the former climate ambassador would plead for a strengthening of the carbon tax at European borders, extended to biodiversity. He would also defend the idea of a “true European constitution” supported by a few visible articles devoted to climate, biodiversity and living things. Finally, Yann Wehrling would propose a climate change adaptation plan based on nature-based solutions. “We’re ready!”, he promises.
