The internal strife within the Republican party (LR) continues to deepen as Éric Ciotti faces intense criticism over his controversial decision to nominate 62 candidates under a right/RN banner. This strategic alliance with Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally has sparked outrage among traditional LR members, who see this as a threat to the party’s ideological independence. Critics argue that this move not only risks absorbing the traditional right into the far-right but also hampers efforts to build a distinct right-wing pole ahead of the next presidential election. As one LR member stated, 'Neither Macron nor the RN share our values, and the real trap is the potential disappearance of the right.' The focus now is on preserving hope amid the challenges posed by both President Macron's centrism and Le Pen's far-right agenda.
Meanwhile, President Emmanuel Macron's camp has been strategizing to maintain its political dominance. The outgoing presidential majority has decided not to field candidates in approximately twenty constituencies that are currently held by right-wing or centrist Liot group deputies perceived as constructive. This tactical move aims to avoid splitting votes and possibly losing seats to the opposition. According to lists published by Renaissance, Horizons, and MoDem parties, no candidates will be presented in constituencies held by several outgoing MPs, including LR's Michèle Tabarot and Marie-Christine Dalloz.
Local agreements have also been struck to strengthen the majority’s position. For instance, in Hauts-de-Seine, no candidates will run against outgoing MoDem deputy Jean-Louis Bourlanges, with the majority backing LR’s Jean-Didier Berger. Similarly, the majority refrained from presenting opponents to LR deputies such as Philippe Juvin. Additionally, in a surprising move, former President François Hollande will face no majority candidate in Corrèze, his home constituency.
In the last-minute rush before official submissions, most outgoing deputies from Renaissance, MoDem, and Horizons are seeking re-election despite President Macron’s sudden dissolution announcement. Many prominent figures are running again; notably, Stéphane Séjourné is standing in Boulogne-Billancourt, and Damien Abad in Ain, albeit without a majority-backed opponent. Despite this political upheaval, 24 out of the 35 ministers, including Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne, are contesting in their respective constituencies to secure their mandates.
- The tension within LR over the alliance with Marine Le Pen has historical roots, reflecting long-standing divisions over how to position the party against both Macron's centrist policies and the far-right's growing influence. Previous attempts to collaborate with the far-right have generally led to ideological compromises, creating a fear of losing core voter base within traditional right-wing supporters.
- Macron’s decision to not pit candidates against certain right and left-wing MPs appears to be a calculated gamble aimed at fostering broader political cooperation and ensuring a smoother governance coalition. It underscores a pragmatic approach in a fragmented political landscape, prioritizing strategic alliances over outright competition.
- The significant number of ministers contesting their constituencies underlines Macron’s intent to maintain a stronghold in legislative power, which is vital for pushing forward his reform agenda, including contentious issues like pension reforms. This also reflects an attempt to ensure continuity and stability within his government amidst political unpredictability.
