In the wake of the legislative elections, a significant number of candidates have withdrawn their candidacies in an effort to block the National Rally (RN). Over 210 qualified candidates have renounced their positions in the second round, following requests from the New Popular Front and parts of the presidential camp. However, some candidates have refused to withdraw due to local considerations or the profile of their competitors from rebellious France, sparking controversy and backlash.
The names of those who have either chosen to withdraw or remain in the race have been widely circulated on social media. Marie Toussaint, a former environmentalist leader, published a list on July 1, which has garnered over 340,000 views. An anonymous account called 'La meuf' also listed candidates, labeling them as 'allies of fascism,' a post viewed by over 1.3 million people. These actions have led to numerous messages urging candidates to withdraw to combat the far-right, with warnings that history will remember their decisions.
Despite these pressures, several candidates have decided to maintain their candidacies. Graig Monetti from Alpes-Maritimes, Anne-Laurence Petel from Bouches-du-Rhône, and Florian Delrieu from Haute-Garonne are among those who believe they are the best candidates to unite voters against the RN. They argue that their withdrawal would not serve the Republic's needs and have faced significant digital harassment as a result.
In some cases, candidates have received support from their parties to remain in the race. Anne-Laurence Petel cited approval from her party leaders, while Huguette Tiegna from Lot, despite being instructed to withdraw, decided to stay, emphasizing her opposition to extremes and her belief in inclusive politics.
The situation has also seen the involvement of high-profile figures. Éric Ciotti, president of the Republicans, has asked Francis Dubois to withdraw in favor of an RN candidate to defeat François Hollande in Corrèze. This request has highlighted the growing alliance between the Republicans and the National Rally, deepening the rift within the party.
Candidates like Hubert de Jenlis from the Somme and Ilias Nagnohou from Vendée have also faced petitions and local pressure to withdraw but have chosen to continue their campaigns. They argue that their presence in the race provides a necessary alternative to the extremes represented by the RN and the New Popular Front.
- The legislative elections have become a battleground for political ideologies, with candidates facing immense pressure from both their parties and the public. The decision to withdraw or remain in the race is seen as a critical stance against the rise of the far-right.
- The alliance between the Republicans and the National Rally signals a significant shift in French politics, with traditional party lines blurring in the face of a common enemy. This development has sparked intense debates within the parties and among the electorate.
- Candidates who have chosen to remain in the race argue that their withdrawal would not necessarily prevent an RN victory and that their continued presence offers voters a moderate and pragmatic alternative. Their decisions reflect a broader struggle within French politics to balance ideological purity with practical considerations in the fight against extremism.
