Author publishes new book on Régis Debray

Eugénie Bastié, a journalist for Le Figaro and a familiar face on CNews, has published a new book titled Le Rouge et le Blanc: Régis Debray et nous with Gallimard. The book provides an in-depth look at the life and legacy of Régis Debray, a prominent French intellectual and political figure. Bastié previously authored La Dictature des ressentis in 2023, published by Plon.

Book explores generational differences

Bastié highlights the generational and ideological differences between herself and Debray, who was born in 1940. The book delves into Debray's early life, including his time at the École Normale Supérieure (ENS), a prestigious French higher education institution, and his eventual capture in the Bolivian jungle during a political mission.

Debray's survival linked to de Gaulle

The book notes the role of General Charles de Gaulle in Debray's survival after his capture. It also discusses the influence of Debray's family, particularly the Vendroux family from Calais, who had connections to de Gaulle. This familial link is presented as a significant factor in Debray's early political trajectory.

Controversy over Debray and Guevara

Bastié addresses the controversy surrounding Debray's relationship with Ernesto Guevara, a key figure in the Cuban Revolution. She notes that Debray's detractors occasionally raise the issue of Guevara's "betrayal" of Debray. She also references the CIA's awareness of Guevara's presence in Bolivia, where Debray was captured.

Debray's political evolution detailed

The book covers Debray's political evolution, including his role in the arrest of Klaus Barbie, a former Nazi officer, and his work with François Mitterrand at the Élysée Palace. It also discusses Debray's speech in Mexico and his later political stances, including his support for the Creil affair and his views on borders, as expressed in his book Eloge des frontières.

Personal anecdotes and biopic suggestion

Bastié reflects on Debray's personal experiences, including an incident where he was stopped by a Soviet soldier near the statue of Lenin. She suggests that a biopic about Debray could be made, similar to Limonov, a film inspired by Emmanuel Carrère's work. The film would start in the Bolivian jungle and end with scenes of Debray in charentaises, a type of woolen sock, with quotes from the French poet Paul Valéry. The book, which is 192 pages long, is available for purchase through Amazon France.