In the wake of the recent legislative elections in France, political tensions are reaching new heights as the country prepares for the second round of voting. The first round saw the far-right National Rally (RN) make significant gains, prompting a wave of strategic withdrawals from left-wing and Macronist candidates to prevent the RN from securing an absolute majority.
Several thousand people are expected to gather at Place de la République in Paris for a rally organized by various media outlets, unions, and human rights organizations. This mobilization aims to counter the influence of the RN and the far right. Prominent figures such as environmental activist Camille Etienne and actresses Anna Mouglalis and Judith Godrèche are slated to speak at the event, advocating for a humanist vision of progress.
The withdrawals are part of a broader strategy to block the RN. As of now, 155 candidates who could have participated in triangular contests have stepped down. Most of these candidates belong to the left-wing New Popular Front alliance, and the list includes three ministers: Sabrina Agresti-Roubache, Marie Guévenoux, and Fadila Khattabi.
Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the left-wing alliance, has made it clear that his candidates will withdraw in any constituency where the RN is leading. This strategy aims to consolidate votes against the far right. Mathilde Panot, the outgoing president of the rebellious group in the National Assembly, reiterated this stance on TF1, emphasizing the importance of preventing the RN from gaining power.
Meanwhile, Jordan Bardella, president of the RN, has criticized the withdrawals as an 'alliance of dishonor' between Emmanuel Macron and Jean-Luc Mélenchon. Bardella stressed the need for an absolute majority to 'build the country’s recovery' and hinted at ongoing discussions with members of the Republicans who have not yet joined Eric Ciotti.
The political landscape remains fluid, with candidates having until 6 p.m. to submit their applications for the second round. The high voter turnout in the first round, estimated at 66.7%, has led to a significant number of triangular contests, complicating the electoral dynamics.
Adding to the complexity, the government has suspended its controversial unemployment insurance reform, which aimed to tighten compensation conditions for the unemployed starting December 1st. This suspension is seen as an attempt to build a broader majority after the second round.
- The rally at Place de la République is expected to draw significant media attention, highlighting the ongoing struggle between progressive and far-right forces in France. The involvement of high-profile speakers underscores the importance of this mobilization.
- The strategic withdrawals are not without controversy. While some see them as a necessary measure to block the far right, others view them as a compromise of democratic principles. This internal conflict is evident within the outgoing majority, where opinions diverge on how to handle the situation.
- Jordan Bardella's comments reflect the RN's frustration with the current political maneuvers. His reference to an 'alliance of dishonor' aims to undermine the credibility of both Macron and Mélenchon, positioning the RN as the only party capable of leading France to recovery.
- The suspension of the unemployment insurance reform indicates the government's willingness to adapt its policies in response to the changing political landscape. This move could be seen as an olive branch to potential allies and a way to mitigate public discontent.
