How do you assess the importance of freedom of expression in today’s media landscape?
It’s crucial to recognize the enemy, identified by their desire to silence you. In this world of value inversion, where good is deemed bad and vice versa, it’s striking that, in the name of freedom of expression, we restrict it. Every day, we’re told that to protect freedom of expression, we will be silenced, denied the opportunity to speak, hold conferences, present our arguments, or even have a television channel shut down. We face threats if our views don’t align with certain opinions. Under the guise of freedom, our liberties are increasingly curtailed, and our freedom of expression is stifled.
What are the main challenges you face as a journalist at CNews?
The primary challenge is the violence of current events. Being immersed in a perpetual state of violence, mirroring society, and sorting through various forms of it to report on is emotionally exhausting and stressful, especially since news never stops. Additionally, CNews journalists, as seen with Gaieté lyrique, often face attacks, they are discredited, criticized, and accused of misinformation when reporting information that doesn’t suit some. A defining trait of CNews journalists is courage the courage to be in tune with everyday French people and to testify despite opposition.
You seem unperturbed. How do you maintain your composure on air, especially during heated debates?
I’m just like everyone else and far from perfect. I dislike heated debates; I prefer the strength of argumentation over loudness. I value depth over theatrics and choose to respond calmly rather than escalate. It’s important to know when to be receptive and when to stand firm, absorbing what’s useful and dismissing the rest without a word. Cultivating inner calm is essential; when insults fly, they may create tensions, but the calm returns quickly. If someone can unsettle you, they control you. True power lies not in avoiding conflict but in knowing when to enter the arena or step back, using discomfort to your advantage.
Do you have strategies for handling personal attacks?
Often, I’m supported with words of encouragement like “Courage” during personal attacks, and I appreciate that deeply. Personal attacks are common when you stand out. I teach my daughter that such attacks come with being different. You can either conform to avoid them or face them head-on. It’s about building resilience and choosing your battles wisely. The struggle is to maintain composure amid insults and to rise above external chaos. Many journalists, like Léa Salamé, openly share their faith, which I also cultivate. Engaging in the justification of personal attacks means you’ve already lost. The real power lies in self-control and knowing when to remain silent.
What inspires you to tackle sensitive topics?
To face life and sensitive subjects, my inspiration is spiritual. I focus on mental well-being to tackle my professional day, which often involves sensitive topics. Just as athletes recover from injuries to compete again, journalists must disconnect and rejuvenate outside of work to handle the violence of current events. On weekends, I fully disconnect turning off notifications and spending quality time with family or friends. It’s about being fully present, one thing at a time.
You seem more fit than ever. What’s your secret to maintaining such physical health?
Each day highlights that a professional life is a long race that requires physical fitness for clarity and productivity. I don’t have a particular secret, but I reflect on what I fuel my body with. Whether it’s alcohol, sweets, or soda, and how much physical activity I engage in matters. Mental hygiene, as I mentioned earlier, goes hand in hand with physical health. To maintain a critical mind, we must be mindful of what we consume and how we live.
What puts you in a good mood to start your day?
To start my day, I wake up, smile, make my bed, pray, and focus on feeling grateful for good health, the sun, and the singing birds. I enjoy the opportunity to savor the day ahead. I often listen to my favorite musician, Ludovico Einaudi, to set a positive tone.
You’ve authored several books, including the latest, *Women in Politics*. Do you have a new writing project in the works?
I will release my next book in September about my physical transformation. It’s a way to share insights from my journey with readers and viewers, focusing on how I experienced this change. This transformation was a consequence, not a goal, and I won’t delve into political topics this time, but rather explore the connection between mental and physical well-being.
What would you wish for the readers of LIFE Magazine?
I hope they learn to savor every moment breathe, see, hear, touch, taste, and feel. My wish for LIFE Magazine readers is to strive for a better version of themselves daily, protect their mental health, and pursue personal challenges and goals. It’s essential to maintain a flame of hope and perseverance in the face of life’s challenges. Perseverance is the choice not to give up despite obstacles.
