Voter Discontent and Uncertainty in Poissy and Gironde
As the first round of legislative elections approaches, voters in Poissy (Yvelines) and the 6th constituency of Gironde express mixed feelings and uncertainty about their choices. In Poissy, many are disillusioned with the current political landscape. Françoise, a 77-year-old resident, feels disenchanted with President Macron's movement, which she once supported. She now plans to vote blank, citing mistrust in the Renaissance party and fear of the RN and the NFP.
Karl Olive, the outgoing deputy and former mayor of Poissy, represents Renaissance and supports Emmanuel Macron. In previous European elections, the LFI list led by Manon Aubry was ahead, followed by the National Rally (RN). Voters like Jacky, a 70-year-old retiree, are concerned about a potential second round between the RN and the New Popular Front (NFP). Jacky plans to vote for Renaissance in the first round but will vote blank if the RN and NFP advance.
Election Dynamics in Gironde
In Gironde, the 6th constituency, historically a left stronghold, faces a possible shift to the nationalist right. The outgoing deputy, Éric Poulliat of Renaissance, contends with a strong challenge from the RN, which led the European elections with 24.22% of the votes. Poulliat hopes for strong voter turnout to counterbalance the RN's mobilization. He also relies on support from non-Ciottist Republicans to avoid splitting the vote.
Jimmy Bourlieux, the RN candidate, anticipates a potential triangular second round if LR votes transfer to his side. He believes that Poulliat's association with Emmanuel Macron weakens his local support. Meanwhile, Marie Récalde, a socialist candidate now under the NFP banner, aims to unify the left to confront the RN. However, she has not committed to withdrawing in the second round if it leads to a triangular vote.
The political landscape in both constituencies remains fluid, with voters grappling with their choices amid concerns about the rise of the RN and the shifting positions of traditional parties.
- In Poissy, Julie, a 46-year-old voter, faces a difficult decision. She refuses to vote for Renaissance, viewing it as having shifted to the right, but also fears that voting blank could benefit the RN. She is considering voting for the NFP, particularly for Place publique and the Ecologists, despite reservations about rebellious France.
- Teddy, a 32-year-old graphic designer, supports the NFP to block the RN, citing her advocacy for LGBT rights and anti-racism. Conversely, Maxime, a 27-year-old analyst, supports the RN, believing it is the only party advocating for sovereignty and nationalism.
- In Gironde, Éric Poulliat emphasizes the importance of voter turnout and the support of non-Ciottist Republicans to maintain his position. He criticizes Marie Récalde for her shift to the NFP and her previous rejection of the Nupes label. Récalde defends her decision, emphasizing the need for unity against the RN.
