Legislative Elections in France: A Pivotal Moment
The first round of the legislative elections in France, held on June 30, has set the stage for a highly competitive second round. More than 300 constituencies could witness triangular elections if certain candidates do not withdraw. This election is crucial as it determines the balance of power in the National Assembly, with the National Rally (RN) leading in many constituencies.
Government's Stance Against the National Rally
The French government, led by Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, has taken a firm stance against the RN. Attal emphasized that 'not a single vote' should go to the RN. This directive has led to several candidates from the presidential party, Ensemble, withdrawing from the race to prevent the RN from gaining seats. For instance, Secretary of State for the City Sabrina Agresti-Roubache withdrew her candidacy in the 1st constituency of Bouches-du-Rhône, urging voters not to support the RN.
The Role of the New Popular Front
The New Popular Front (NFP), a coalition of left-wing parties, has also taken a strong position against the RN. Manuel Bompard, a prominent NFP leader, reiterated their commitment to preventing the RN from gaining power. The NFP has instructed its candidates to withdraw if they come third in a triangular race involving the RN. This strategy aims to consolidate votes against the RN, ensuring that democratic and republican values prevail in the National Assembly.
- In the 1st constituency of Bouches-du-Rhône, Secretary of State for the City Sabrina Agresti-Roubache (Ensemble) withdrew her candidacy after receiving 23.61% of the votes, blocking the RN candidate Monique Griseti, who led with 45.54% of the votes. Agresti-Roubache urged voters not to support the RN.
- Overseas Minister Marie Guévenoux and Fadila Khattabi also withdrew from the race after finishing third in their respective constituencies. In the 9th constituency of Essonne, Guévenoux faced the risk of the RN and decided to step down.
- In the 1st constituency of the Somme, Albane Branlant (Ensemble) came third with 22.68% of the votes and decided to withdraw in favor of François Ruffin, the NFP candidate, who received 33.92% of the vote. The RN led with 40.69%.
- Contrary to the calls for withdrawal, some candidates from the presidential camp have chosen to remain in the race. Graig Monetti in the 1st constituency of the Alpes-Maritimes and Dominique Faure, the Minister Delegate in charge of Territorial Communities and Rural Affairs of France, have decided to continue their campaigns.
- Manuel Bompard of the NFP denounced the 'cacophony' in the presidential camp and emphasized the need for a united front against the RN. He criticized former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe for not providing clear voting instructions between LFI and the RN.
- The Ifop-Fiducial projection for Le Figaro suggests that the National Rally could become the largest group in the National Assembly, with 240 to 270 deputies. The New Popular Front is projected to have 180 to 200 representatives, while the Macronist coalition Ensemble! could see a significant reduction in its seats.
