Youth Lean Left in Legislative Elections
The recent legislative elections in France have highlighted a significant shift among young voters towards the left and extreme left. According to a survey conducted by Toluna Harris Interactive, 41% of voters aged 18 to 24 supported the New Popular Front, while only 23% preferred the National Rally (RN). This trend is consistent with the voting patterns observed in the 25 to 34 age group.
In contrast, the 2017 elections saw Emmanuel Macron's La République En Marche attract 32% of young voters, a figure that has significantly dwindled. The shift is attributed to the New Popular Front's effective use of social media and focus on issues like purchasing power, which resonate with the youth.
First Round Results and Key Constituencies
In the first round of early legislative elections, the New Popular Front showed strong results in various constituencies. For instance, in the 11th constituency of Val-de-Marne, Sophie Taillé-Polian of the New Popular Front secured 58.25% of the votes. Similarly, in the 3rd constituency, Louis Boyard (LFI) led with 45.25%, indicating a robust support base for the left.
On the other hand, the Reconquest party, led by Éric Zemmour, faced a significant setback, failing to qualify any candidate for the second round. The party's internal crisis and strategic missteps have further weakened its position.
The Fall of Jérôme Cahuzac
Former socialist budget minister Jérôme Cahuzac, who attempted a political comeback, was eliminated in the first round with only 14.65% of the votes. This marks a dramatic fall for a figure once prominent in French politics. Cahuzac's past conviction for tax fraud has evidently tainted his political career, making it difficult for him to regain public trust.
The New Popular Front's candidate, Xavier Czapla, managed to secure 18.4% of the votes, showing potential to challenge the RN candidate in the next round. The absence of a candidate from the presidential majority in this constituency further underscores the shifting political landscape.
- The recent elections have not only highlighted the growing influence of the New Popular Front among young voters but also the challenges faced by other political entities. The National Rally continues to maintain a strong presence, particularly in constituencies like the 3rd of Lot-et-Garonne, where Annick Cousin led with 41% of the votes.
- Éric Zemmour's Reconquest party's failure to make an impact in the legislative elections is a significant development. The party's internal discord and lack of strategic clarity have contributed to its poor performance, gathering only 0.6% of the votes at the national level.
- The legislative elections have also brought to light the dramatic fall of Jérôme Cahuzac, whose past legal issues have overshadowed his political ambitions. His endorsement of a right-wing candidate to block the RN further complicates the political dynamics in his constituency.
