A Liberal from the Left

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Frenchman Christian Blanc has spent his career doing what most people try to avoid: finding tough but necessary solutions to explosive problems. In the late '80s, as chief government negotiator in New Caledonia, Blanc brokered a peace accord that ended years of bloody separatist violence. Later, as head of the Paris public-transport authority, he battled unruly unions and a waffling Socialist government to end an era of incessant, paralyzing strikes. As president of Air France from 1993-97, Blanc brought the airline from the brink of bankruptcy to profitability — and partial privatization — by alternatively cajoling and compelling rebellious staff to accept his tough-love restructuring program. Now, in a move that could culminate in a presidential bid later this year, Blanc, 59, has targeted his biggest challenge yet: France's enormous administrative and governmental structure.

Last week, in the western city of Nantes, Blanc sounded his call for a "legal revolution" to "reverse France's decline and release its shackled potentials" by reducing the size, cost, and intrusiveness of the French state in daily life and business. Blanc also argues that electing more ordinary citizens to office and a greater decen- tralization of power to regional and local authorities would provide fresh, innovative thinking for a country currently dominated by a "close-minded political élite" and a "cult of the all-powerful state." His immediate goal is to make his radical reform program an issue of wider public debate, but he acknowledges initial success with that would oblige him to run for the presidency. "Only a President elected on a platform of fundamental reform would have the determination and legitimacy with voters to enact such changes," he says, puffing on his trademark cigar. "If I were to run, it wouldn't be to seek power. Just to hold power."

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. 11, Blanc left his New York hotel seconds before the first jet plowed into the nearby World Trade Center. He hopes his good fortune in 2002 will mean renewed triumph, and not narrow misses.

Q&A

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 too.

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.

TIME: Can an outsider succeed in French politics?
BLANC: Perhaps the French are ready for a new face, different messages — and a liberal from the left.