Word: blancs
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Dates: during 2000-2009
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Inciting reformist revolution remains a long shot - one the dedicated father of two daughters must also balance with his day job as president of Merrill Lynch France. Complicating his task is the domination of established parties in French political life - a monopoly the independent Blanc will seek to break backed by an association of disparate supporters. Blanc will also rely on his usual mix of hard work, determination - and occasional astonishing luck. In 1994, as he negotiated with hijackers of an Air France plane, Blanc narrowly missed being shot when the terrorists sprayed his jet with gunfire. Last Sept...
...TIME: Why is radical reform vital for France? BLANC: This nation has enormous capacities that are stifled by a bloated state structure. Reforming our administrative and democratic organization would require profound changes, but the results would be rapid and dramatic...
TIME: You're associated with the left, yet your reform program is that of a free-market liberal. BLANC: I'm from the left, but I am indeed a liberal. The French left is hostile to liberalism due to its Marxist roots, and our conservatives are too rooted in centralism and infatuation with the large, "dirigiste" state. France is governed by a huge population of civil servants who believe they know how to effectively legislate free markets...
TIME: Do you really believe you will be able to change such entrenched self-interests? BLANC: My program has already won a lot of respect - and support - among decision makers and business leaders. People know our system is outdated and that change is needed. The challenge is making the general public aware of this urgency...
TIME: If you can generate enough popular support for reform, would you run for President? BLANC: We're launching a series of meetings around the nation to see if we can find that kind of support. If not, then there would be no reason to run. If so, then it would be a mistake to entrust some other candidate to undertake these long-avoided reforms...