French Legislative Elections: Higher Education Leaders and Left-Wing Politicians Unite Against National Rally's Potential Majority

Concerns Over National Rally's Potential Majority in Legislative Elections

The results of the first round of early legislative elections in France have raised significant concerns among higher education leaders. France Universités, the Conference of Directors of French Management Schools (CDEFM), the Conference of Directors of Engineering Schools (Cdefi), and the Conference of Grandes Écoles (CGE) issued a joint press release on Monday expressing their alarm. They warned of the 'immediate, real, and unprecedented' threat posed by the National Rally (RN) potentially securing a large majority in the National Assembly in the upcoming second round.

These educational institutions argue that the RN's policies, which they describe as based on 'exclusion, withdrawal, fear, and rejection of others,' jeopardize the inclusivity and opportunities provided by higher education to students from diverse backgrounds. They specifically highlight the risk to the reception of foreign students, the independence of public service, and the overall autonomy of higher education and research institutions.

National Rally's Policies and Their Implications

The joint statement emphasizes that the RN's policies could undermine the European vision of university collaboration and student mobility programs like Erasmus, which have been popular and beneficial for many years. The higher education leaders stress that their concerns are not limited to protecting institutional interests but are about defending the fundamental values of the Republic.

In addition to the concerns raised by higher education leaders, political figures from the 'New Popular Front' (NFP) have also voiced their opposition to the RN. Manuel Bompard, a re-elected deputy from the NFP, stated his intention to secure an absolute majority with the union of the left to 'immediately change people's lives' and prevent the RN from gaining power. He criticized the lack of clear voting instructions from the presidential camp and emphasized that their slogan is 'not one vote, not one more seat for the National Rally.'

The Political Landscape and Future Implications

Bompard also addressed the internal dynamics within the NFP, particularly regarding dissident candidates who did not receive nominations from France Insoumise (LFI). He made it clear that such candidates would not be able to sit with LFI if elected. The political landscape remains tense as the second round approaches, with significant implications for the future governance of France. The potential outcomes could reshape the country's approach to higher education, public service, and its role within the European Union.