Meyer Habib, a prominent candidate from Les Républicains, has faced a significant electoral defeat in the 8th constituency of French people established outside France. Despite leading the first round with 35.58% of the votes, Habib was defeated by Caroline Yadan of Ensemble in the second round. This constituency includes regions such as Cyprus, Malta, Greece, Israel, the Palestinian Territories, Italy, and Turkey. The election saw a high abstention rate of 77.80%, which played a crucial role in the outcome.
Habib, who has been elected since 2013, has consistently denied allegations of making a deal with Ciottists and the National Rally. These rumors were partly fueled by the fact that Marine Le Pen's party did not present a candidate against him. Habib has firmly stated his allegiance to Les Républicains, emphasizing that he would never sit with the RN group but only with the LR group in the National Assembly.
The broader context of the French legislative elections reveals a stark contrast between urban and rural voting patterns. While urban areas like Paris, Lyon, and Toulouse tend to support liberal and left-wing candidates, rural areas are increasingly leaning towards right-wing populists. This trend is evident in places like Colombier-Saugnieu, where the Rassemblement National candidate led with 54% of the votes in the first round.
Political experts warn that the strategy of uniting liberal and left-wing votes to counter the right may not be entirely effective. Disillusionment with politics in rural areas is driving support for right-wing populists, who promise a return to traditional values and a better future. In cities like Nice and Toulon, the Rassemblement National has managed to convince a significant portion of the electorate, leading to predictions of a substantial parliamentary presence for the party.
Despite earlier predictions of the right-wing populists potentially securing a parliamentary majority, recent polls suggest a more modest outcome. An Ipsos poll conducted on Saturday indicated that the Rassemblement National might secure between 175 to 205 seats, rather than the previously estimated 305. This shift highlights the volatile nature of the French political landscape and the ongoing battle between different political ideologies.
