Too hampered by the moribund state of the PS, Philippe joined Michel Vidal's Debout le Peuple (Stand Up, People) party. This is actually an old tactic: entryism. With regional elections looming in Hauts-de-France, Philippe sees a golden opportunity to apply his strategy of uniting the left against Vidal's will. Philippe pulls the strings in all camps. But Vidal is not fooled by his double game.