Republican Party's Performance in Legislative Elections
The far-right did not secure a majority in the National Assembly, but the Republicans managed to obtain between 63 and 67 seats, according to Ipsos estimates on July 7, at the end of the second round of legislative elections. Despite internal conflicts following their leader Éric Ciotti's decision to form an alliance with the National Rally without informing party executives, the traditional right limited the damage, securing slightly more than the fifty seats initially projected by polling institutes.
The map below illustrates the districts where a 'historic channel' Republican candidate was elected. It will be updated as the evening progresses and results are reported to the Ministry of the Interior. The score reflects the percentage of votes each candidate received, indicating whether they were elected in the first or second round. Users can also select one of the left's parties to view the number of its winning candidates at a glance.
Challenges and Triumphs for Alexis Corbière
In a notable victory, Alexis Corbière was re-elected as the deputy for the 7th constituency of Seine-Saint-Denis with around 55% of the votes. Despite his stronghold, which has supported him since 2017 and voted 35.23% for La France insoumise (LFI) in the European elections, his re-election was not assured. Corbière, who had won 62.94% of the votes in the first round in 2022, faced significant challenges within the Melenchonist movement.
Corbière, along with his partner Raquel Garrido, was 'purged' by LFI, which instead backed Sabrina Ali-Benali, an emergency doctor. During the campaign, numerous LFI personalities, including writer Édouard Louis and philosopher Geoffroy de Lagasnerie, supported Ali-Benali in Montreuil. Despite these efforts, Corbière led the first round with 40.19% of the votes compared to Ali-Benali's 36.39%.
The Future of French Politics
The Republicans, weakened since Emmanuel Macron's election in 2017, announced they would not issue voting instructions for the second round. 'Where we are not present in the second round, considering that voters are free to make their choice, we do not give national instructions and let the French express themselves in conscience,' stated the LR management. This stance reflects the current fragmented state of French politics, with traditional parties struggling to maintain their influence amidst rising far-right and leftist movements.
- The Republicans' internal conflict highlights the challenges faced by traditional parties in adapting to the evolving political landscape in France. Éric Ciotti's controversial alliance with the National Rally has sparked debates within the party about the future direction and core values of the Republicans.
- Alexis Corbière's re-election underscores the resilience of established politicians even when faced with internal party disruptions and external competition. His ability to secure a significant portion of the vote despite the LFI's decision to back another candidate speaks to his strong local support and political acumen.
- The decision by the Republicans not to issue national voting instructions for the second round is indicative of a broader trend in French politics where voter autonomy is increasingly emphasized. This approach may influence future electoral strategies and voter behavior in subsequent elections.
