Raquel Garrido, the outgoing MP for the 5th constituency of Seine-Saint-Denis, has announced her decision to withdraw from the legislative race, despite securing a significant portion of the votes. Garrido, who ran as a dissident candidate from La France Insoumise (LFI), came third in the first round with 23.65% of the votes, trailing behind LFI's official candidate Aly Diouara and UDI candidate Aude Lagarde.
Garrido expressed her willingness to step down on the condition that other LFI-nominated candidates, who also faced internal conflicts and were ousted from the party, would do the same. She emphasized the need for unity and responsibility within the party, especially given the aggressive internal disputes that have marked the recent election phase.
The official LFI candidates, Sabrina Ali Benali and Céline Verzeletti, both finished behind their dissident counterparts in their respective constituencies. Garrido called for these candidates to also withdraw, highlighting the importance of applying the same principles across the board to demonstrate a unified front.
The constituency of Seine-Saint-Denis saw a significant increase in voter turnout, with participation jumping to 57.11% from 36.5% in the previous legislative elections. This surge reflects the heightened political engagement in the area, partly driven by the internal conflicts within LFI and the presence of strong dissident candidates like Garrido.
- Raquel Garrido's decision to withdraw underscores the ongoing tensions within LFI, where several prominent members have criticized the party's management. Garrido herself has been vocal about the need for a post-Mélenchon era, advocating for a new direction within the party.
- The first round results in Garrido's constituency show a fragmented left, with two candidates from the New Popular Front vying for votes. This division has potentially weakened the left's overall position, making it crucial for the party to address internal conflicts and present a united front in future elections.
- The increased voter turnout in Seine-Saint-Denis indicates a growing political awareness and engagement among the electorate. This trend could have significant implications for future elections, as more voters become actively involved in the political process.
- Clémentine Autain, another critical voice within LFI, has called for an end to the 'fratricidal wars' within the party. Her re-election in Paris demonstrates that there is still strong support for LFI, but the party's internal conflicts need to be resolved to maintain this support and ensure future electoral success.
