Gabriel Attal Warns Against National Rally Majority
On Wednesday, Gabriel Attal, the Prime Minister and head of the outgoing majority's campaign, stated that he did not intend to provide voting instructions for the second round of the legislative elections. Instead, he aimed to alert the public about the 'risk' of an absolute majority for the National Rally (RN). Speaking on BFMTV, Attal emphasized the danger of an extreme right-wing majority, urging voters to be cautious.
The presidential camp is divided on the approach to take in the second round. Some support the stance of 'neither RN, nor LFI' (La France Insoumise), while others advocate for an unconditional withdrawal in favor of the left. This division arises from the concern that maintaining third-place candidates could inadvertently lead to an RN victory. Attal reiterated his warning about two major risks: an absolute majority led by LFI, which has been eliminated after the first round, and an absolute majority led by the extreme right, which he believes must be combated.
Dominique Strauss-Kahn's Call to Action
Dominique Strauss-Kahn, who has largely remained out of the public eye since the Sofitel affair, made a rare media appearance on Tuesday evening on LCI. The former socialist Minister of the Economy urged French voters to choose 'the least bad solution' to ensure that the National Rally does not gain an absolute majority. Strauss-Kahn expressed his disdain for both the extreme elements of La France Insoumise and the National Rally, emphasizing the importance of a 'republican front' to prevent an RN majority.
Drawing parallels to the 2002 presidential election, where the left had to support Jacques Chirac to block Jean-Marie Le Pen, Strauss-Kahn highlighted the need for the right to understand the importance of voting strategically. He warned that allowing the RN to govern would lead to a 'totally different cycle' and a major change in the functioning of French society. He also expressed concerns about a potential 'rise in rates' on the markets and a 'Greek' fate for the country if the RN were to gain a majority.
- Gabriel Attal stressed that French citizens should vote with their 'soul and conscience,' free from political instructions. He acknowledged the difficulty many might face in voting against their preferred choice to block the RN, but emphasized the responsibility to do so.
- Dominique Strauss-Kahn, reflecting on past political challenges, urged voters to prioritize preventing an RN majority. He recalled the left's support for Chirac in 2002 and suggested that a similar approach is necessary today. Strauss-Kahn warned of significant societal changes and economic consequences if the RN were to govern.
