The recent dissolution of the National Assembly has led to significant political shifts and clashes across the French political landscape. On the right, the Republicans (LR) face internal turmoil with party members splitting over an alliance proposed by leader Éric Ciotti with the National Rally (RN). This has resulted in multiple candidacies within the same political camp in various constituencies, which could potentially undermine the party’s chances in the upcoming elections.
Éric Ciotti’s announcement of the alliance has left the LR party divided, with dissenters voicing their objections. Ciotti maintains that at least 62 applications have been submitted under the alliance of 'rally of the rights,' while the party claims nearly 400 candidates. This discord is prominently displayed in duels such as Ciotti himself running against Virgile Vanier, a party dissident, in the 1st constituency of the Alpes-Maritimes.
Similar intra-party contests are evident in other regions. For instance, in the 6th constituency of Pyrénées-Atlantiques and the 2nd constituency of Aisne, candidates from the RN and the faction of the Republicans who oppose Ciotti have both put forward their contenders. Political scientist Pierre Allorant warns that such divisions when the party usually gathers around 7-8% of votes, could be devastating.
On the left, the New Popular Front appears more united despite some internal dissent. The alliance has managed to bring together parties like LFI, PS, EELV, and PCF to present single candidates for most constituencies. However, some isolated dissidents within the rebellious ranks are challenging this unity. Notable examples include Raquel Garrido and Alexis Corbière in Seine-Saint-Denis, who are running against candidates nominated by their own party, LFI.
The Macronist camp, representing the majority, features minimal internal conflicts. Following President Emmanuel Macron's announcement of the Assembly’s dissolution, the majority party has chosen not to contest against certain strong candidates from other parties, such as former socialist president François Hollande in Corrèze. Macron’s camp, under the banner 'Together for the Republic,' seeks to avoid the extremes by selectively deciding not to present candidates in around 60 constituencies where their chances are low. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal articulated this strategy aimed at preventing extremist parties like RN and LFI from gaining power.
- On the Republican right, the internal conflict is proving to be costly, with significant doubts about the party's future strength in the new Parliament. The pro- and anti-Ciotti factions are at odds, and we can expect further confrontations in the coming weeks.
- The alliance under the New Popular Front on the left has managed to keep most dissent in-check despite challenges from within its ranks, and hopes remain high that their unity will hold as the elections approach.
- In the Macronist majority camp, strategic decisions to support or abstain from running against strong non-extremist candidates like François Hollande showcase a careful plan to avoid fragmenting the vote, thus indirectly fortifying their stance against more radical political factions.
