Crif's Stance on Legislative Elections
The Representative Council of Jewish Institutions in France (Crif) has taken a firm stance for the upcoming second round of the legislative elections. Crif has advocated for a line of 'neither RN, nor LFI,' emphasizing that 'faced with the threat of an absolute majority of the RN, LFI is not part of the solution but the problem.' The organization has urged voters to beat the National Rally (RN) without compromising with La France Insoumise (LFI). According to Crif, the prospect of an RN majority poses a threat to the Republic, as populist or nationalist projects have historically not served as bulwarks against anti-Semitism and hatred.
Crif also criticized LFI for its alleged anti-Semitic provocations and its strategy of chaos, which they claim has fueled the electoral rise of the RN. They highlighted the presence of Rima Hassan alongside Jean-Luc Mélenchon during his election evening intervention as evidence of LFI's communitarian and clientelist strategy.
The Left-Wing Coalition: New Popular Front
In contrast, the four main left-wing parties have united under the banner of the New Popular Front (NFP) for the legislative elections. This coalition includes 229 rebellious candidates, 175 socialists, 92 ecologists, and 50 communists. After the first round, 412 candidates from this coalition are still in the running, with some already elected. The NFP secured 27.99% of the votes, finishing second behind the National Rally but ahead of the presidential majority.
The coalition's strategy appears to be paying off, with notable victories in various constituencies. For instance, Manuel Bompard, Elsa Faucillon, Sandrine Rousseau, and Olivier Faure have already secured their seats. However, the results for the ecologists and communists were less impressive, with fewer candidates making it to the second round.
The Union of Jewish Students of France (UEJF) has also called for a massive mobilization to prevent the RN from coming to power, despite their criticisms of LFI's propagation of anti-Semitism. UEJF activists plan to travel across France to campaign against RN candidates who are xenophobic, conspiratorial, pro-Putin, or anti-Semitic.
- The Crif's position reflects a broader concern about the potential rise of the National Rally, which many see as a threat to the core values of the French Republic. Their call for a 'republican front' against RN aims to unite voters across the political spectrum to prevent an RN majority.
- The New Popular Front's coalition strategy highlights the importance of unity among left-wing parties in the face of a common adversary. By pooling their resources and candidates, they aim to maximize their impact in the legislative elections. Despite some setbacks, the coalition's overall performance in the first round suggests that they are a formidable force in French politics.
- The UEJF's involvement underscores the active role that civil society organizations are playing in this election. Their efforts to campaign against RN candidates highlight the broader societal implications of these elections, beyond just the political arena.
