Paris, January 14th, 1836 · The Long Thaw
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On 14 January 1836, at the first parliamentary session of the year, many were expecting De Broglie and Lafitte to come back with their project of economic reform to bolster the economy. But what was the deputies' surprise, or in some cases expectations when De Broglie walked on the stage alone. When he started talking about reducing the dépenses by reducing the state involvement on the economy he was suddenly interrupted by Thiers
“Listen to me everyone, this presentation confirms my doubt and worries that appeared 3 weeks ago, what De Broglie proposes is only halfway reforms ! It creates the condition for growth but he's scared of growth itself. These reforms are here to bolster the economy but he doesn't want the state to take its part in it. Worse, I have proof that Humann planned to convert the rent to 5% to reduce the interest ! Those projects are not from De Broglie but from Lafitte alone that De Broglie supported reluctantly in hope of buying our support. I announce that I am more willing to work with Lafitte to not only port these reforms but support them in their application. Not to create tools to throw to others in hope to buy their goodwill, but for the government to use them itself and bolster the industrial revolution in France. For our nation and for our citizens !”
The reactions in the room are mitigated, some applaud, most stay silent .Now De Broglie knows two things, he will not have to fight for these reforms to pass, but to be the one to pass them.
