GHOSN Gone

Global capitalism, internationalism : a threat to national interest?

What has happened ? Is it a cause or a consequence of the rich privilege? An article qualified Carlos Ghosn as the ‘icon of the triumphant capitalism » because of his escape.

In the midst of the waves of protestations against the ‘grand patronnat’, the rich and their privileges, the inequality favored by the economic system in place shows once again its flaws. But is it really to blame?

Opinions are divergent regarding the escape of Carlos Ghosn from his residence surveillance in Japan to Lebanon. After being arrested in November 19^th 2018, the CEO of Renault-Nissan has now fled Tokyo and arrived in Beirut back in December right on time for the holidays.

Whats the matter?

Ghosn was accused of hiding a part of his remuneration and of mismanagement of financial ressources of Renault Nissan. He claimed to be innocent and denounced the condition of his arrest and a conspiracy to get rid off him at all cost from the japanese government. It seems like Japanese official and high official working at Nissan were starting to see the national interest of the company threatened by Ghosn. He was detained and not allowed to see or talk to his wife the whole time. A confession was expected to come from him if he wanted to be released.

Carlos Ghosn gave a conference in Beirut today, where he spoke in four languages and explained his version of the story as well as the reason of his escape. Let’s analyze his rethoric:

Emotion : He talked lot about his wife, without her he couldn’t do anything. He needed her and it was cruel to stop him from even talking with her on the phone, he just had to go. Secondly, he loved the japanese people and his company. He gave 17 years to Japan, and « resurrected a company », he was a model « more than 20 works on management were written about me », when Obama called him to run General Motors he refused even tho RN was sinking and he could have earn way more money.

Victim : Presumption of guilt, the japanese were waiting only for a confession he couldnt make. Solitary confinement for 130 days.

Mentioning PEARL HARBOR. When a journalist asked him how he didnot see his arrest or interpellation coming he asked him back if anyone saw Pearl Harbor coming. This refers to the Japanese attack by surprise during WW2 , a war act and a fishy one. Implicitely insinuating that , if this has it is not the first time that Japan surprises you. It also take us to a possible issue of trust between govt Japanese and French.

What are we interested in?

Ghosn is a World citizen and once again globalism is omnipresent . He knows how to use communication and information he knows how it works with the 100s of journalists invited and his answers in French, English, Arabic and Portuguese. He is trying to win over public opinion and fellow language speaker.

One important thing is that he violated the law and fled. He justifies it by saying that there was a feeling of humiliation coming from his treatment and his powerlessness was unbearable. Now, even when unsure to face a fair trial is anyone allow to flee? no. The average person will have no choice but to endure the consequences of the trial. Because he is used to be in control it might have been to hard for him to do. Then, thanks to his huge wealth he is able to find an illegal way to flee the country and not be judged. He was able to pay his way out, that is what we keep in mind. Whether it was morally justified or not, this is what is important here.

LEBANON

Prostests and marches against parliament members for corruption and against the Political class have been taking place in Beirut for weeks. The arrival of Ghosn is seen in different ways by the public opinion. Several people interviewed stated that he was not welcome and was a perfect example of what they are pointing figure at through the protests, people for whom corruption is normal and who think they are above the law.

For others, he is a hero , he was raised in this country , have a lot of close friends and have properties.

Numerous critics surged on the Japanese judicial system. The issue of Internationalism vs nationalism was several time brought up. While it is not our focus here it is interesting to mention that because one do not share or agree with the rule of a country shouldnt allow him to disrespect them. The issue of soveregnty is vital, as internationalism must not be an excuse to minimize the power of states.

The evasion :

HE LEFT FOR OSAKA in a luxury hotel, get out with malls but without Carlos. They get in a private jet without him. Les baggage grand format ne sont pas inspectee, the jet leave for Turkey . Istanbul, another private jet to Beirut with a French passport. His lawyer was shocked. In turkey 7 people were arrested by the police for infraction of immigration rule.