Thierry Coste, a name whispered in the corridors of power, is a man who thrives in the shadows, pulling the strings of French politics. While his name doesn’t appear in official government structures, Coste is a known figure in the world of rural politics, advising presidents and influencing policy decisions. His influence, however, is not without controversy, with some questioning his motives and loyalty.
A Life in the Shadows
Coste, a former farmer and passionate advocate for hunting and firearms, openly admits to his love for manipulating the political landscape. He is a master strategist, drawing inspiration from historical figures like Sun Tzu and Machiavelli. His impressive resume boasts connections to five presidents, advising four of them, including Emmanuel Macron. He navigates the halls of power with ease, known even by those who work behind the scenes. His influence is so prominent that former Minister of Ecology, Nicolas Hulot, even blamed Coste for his resignation, claiming his presence at a hunting reform meeting was the catalyst for his departure.
A Calculated Campaign
Coste, a seasoned campaign strategist, has helped catapult several political figures to prominence. He spearheaded the 1999 European campaign for Jean Saint-Josse, a prominent figure in the hunting community, resulting in six elected representatives. He continued his success in 2004, advising Philippe de Villiers. Now, Coste is setting his sights on the upcoming European elections, orchestrating the campaign for Willy Schraen, the head of the National Federation of Hunters.
Coste’s goal is to form a “Rural Alliance” to showcase the concerns of rural France. This alliance, comprised entirely of civilian candidates, aims to push rural issues to the forefront of national discourse and reclaim a platform that, he believes, has been neglected for decades.
A Power Play
Coste’s strategy is calculated and ambitious. He seeks to create a political earthquake that will shake the foundations of French politics. He sees the European elections as a springboard to make rural issues “unavoidable” in the upcoming 2027 presidential election. This ambitious plan is a high-stakes gamble, but Coste is confident in his ability to deliver.
He envisions his work as a means to realign the political landscape. Coste aims to rally rural voters away from Marine Le Pen’s National Rally, drawing them towards Renaissance, the political party of President Macron. He also wants to weaken Les Republicains, hoping to push them below the 5% threshold required to secure parliamentary seats.
Coste’s ultimate aim is to secure the victory of rural interests, regardless of the political party involved. He has been branded as “faithless” and “unscrupulous” by those who question his allegiance. Despite the accusations, Coste remains undeterred, focusing on his mission to champion the forgotten voices of rural France. His motivations and methods may be shrouded in controversy, but his unwavering commitment to rural interests cannot be denied.
