The political landscape in France is witnessing a flurry of activities as candidates gear up for the upcoming legislative elections set for June 30 and July 7. Among them is Bertrand Salquain, a lawyer at the Nantes bar, who has taken an unusual step by filing an appeal with the Council of State to suspend the presidential decree of June 9 regarding the election dates. This action complements an earlier appeal filed with the Constitutional Council by a group of jurists, as reported by Le Figaro.
Bertrand Salquain and his colleague, Me Gwenola Vaubois, argue that the emergency procedure invoked by the presidential decree lacks justification. Salquain, who has entered the race as a candidate in the 2nd constituency of Maine-et-Loire, contends that the process is unfair to new entrants who face numerous administrative hurdles, including opening a dedicated bank account and appointing a financial agent, in a compressed timeline.
Highlighting the difficulties faced by first-time candidates, Salquain points out, 'Conditions are not equal for everyone,' criticizing the democratic system's current functioning. His criticism extends to the President's claim of urgency, which he labels as bad faith. According to Salquain, the emergency conditions envisaged during the constitution's inception in 1958 were of a different nature and don't align with the current situation.
In parallel to these legal maneuvers, other candidates have swiftly mobilized to continue their campaigns. In Yvelines, candidates like Béatrice Piron and Marie Lebec are wasting no time, submitting their applications and planning their campaign strategies. These candidates, predominantly from the Macronist banner, are racing against the clock to secure their constituencies, emphasizing the short three-week window to convince voters.
'There's no time to lose,' says Laurent Baivel, financial representative for Piron, while Nadia Hai, another outgoing deputy, stresses the need to remain combative in the face of extreme political blocks. Both their comments underscore the urgency and high stakes of the upcoming elections, where incumbents and new faces alike battle for seats in the National Assembly.
- According to the interim relief request from Atlantique Avocats, the legitimacy of the 'emergency' cited for fast-tracking the elections is questionable. The lawyers argue that President's consultation process with his Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior was not conducted in the expected manner, aligning with the skepticism about the fast-paced dissolution preparation.
- Marie Lebec and Karl Olive, representing constituencies in Yvelines, also demonstrate the high urgency of the political climate. As incumbents, they are prioritizing the rapid submission of candidacy documents to secure their positions. Their prompt actions reflect a broader trend among Macronist candidates who are acting swiftly to consolidate their electoral advantage.
