Demonstrations Against the Far-Right Surge in France
The early legislative elections have officially launched in France, with the first round set for June 30 to fill the 577 seats in the National Assembly. Opinion polls show the far-right National Rally Party leading the nominations, expected to secure about 30% of the votes. In a surprising turn, Eric Ciotti, leader of the center-right Republican Party, announced an alliance with the far right. This move led to an internal crisis and the separation of most party leaders from him.
Meanwhile, the leftist forces have united under the New Popular Front, which opinion polls suggest could achieve 25% of the vote. This alliance, inclusive of anti-capitalist Philippe Puteaux and former President François Hollande, quickly agreed on a program and nominations. Former Socialist Prime Minister Lionel Jospin has endorsed the alliance, calling it the only 'bulwark' capable of defeating the extreme right. However, the coalition still faces challenges of complete heterogeneity.
The New Popular Front's program aims for 'a complete break with the policy of President Emmanuel Macron,' proposing measures like the cancellation of the pension reform and raising the minimum wage, as well as addressing political issues such as anti-Semitism and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. However, opinion polls predict that the presidential coalition supporting Macron will suffer a severe defeat, expected to garner only 20% of the vote.
Macron Voices Concerns Over Economic Risks
On Friday, President Macron criticized the economic aspects of both the left-wing bloc and the National Rally's programs, citing 'major risks' for France. 'Today, there are two extremist blocs with economic programs that do not align with ethical responsibility, promising people gifts that cannot find funding,' he stated.
The fear of the far-right gaining power has sparked massive demonstrations across France. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets on Saturday, in protests called by trade unions, student groups, and human rights organizations. Authorities reported that about 250,000 people demonstrated in Paris and other cities, while the General Confederation of Labor union estimated the number at around 640,000.
To secure at least 150 marches and demonstrations, including those in Paris, Marseille, Toulouse, Lyon, and Lille, the French Ministry of the Interior deployed about 21,000 police officers. Some demonstrations resulted in arrests. Protesters voiced their concerns about the National Rally Party potentially winning both rounds of the election, thus making its leader, Jordan Bardella, the prime minister.
- Who could have predicted that in just a week, French political life would be so drastically transformed? Former President François Hollande aiming for a seat in the National Assembly under the leftist coalition alongside Jean-Luc Mélenchon? Or Eric Ciotti forming an alliance with Marine Le Pen against the wishes of his party's leadership, resulting in an internal conflict within the Republicans?
- The legislative campaign has seen mixed reactions on the ground. In Alpes-Maritimes, Ciotti has been seen engaging with locals, while in Corrèze, Hollande has faced skepticism over his alliance with leftist forces. In the Hauts-de-Seine, Gabriel Attal is battling for political survival against a united left and scattered right. Former Minister Aurélien Rousseau has entered the race in Yvelines with support from Macron's camp.
