In the parliamentary elections in France, Emmanuel Macron has to fear for an absolute majority. Although his centre-camp is likely to remain the strongest force, the left-wing alliance would be anathema to the president. Not without reason.
It is a statesmanlike performance by President Emmanuel Macron. And his message sounds dramatic. Chaos threatens in France if he does not get a solid majority in the parliamentary elections on Sunday. This is “in the overriding interest of the nation,” emphasizes Macron on the tarmac at Paris’ Orly Airport, while the engines of the Presidential Airbus are already humming in the background. Before leaving for Ukraine, Macron made an urgent appeal to the population on Tuesday.
In the first round of elections, the French refused to vote for his centre-camp to such an extent that the president’s absolute majority in parliament is in serious jeopardy. There is little doubt that the Liberal, who was re-elected for a second term at the end of April, can continue to govern with a relative majority. But that, too, is anathema to Macron. Standstill and blockades then threatened, he dramatized the fact that power might have to be shared.
Mélenchon wants to sit opposite Macron as prime minister
Because that is the difference to Germany: compromises and coalitions are not very common in French politics. The parliamentary elections shortly after the presidential elections are actually designed to secure an absolute majority for the head of state. If the votes are only enough for a relative majority, Macron and his government would be forced to seek support from other camps. Routine in Germany, a rarity in France, where such a government only existed with a relative majority, most recently under François Mitterrand (1988-1991).
Left-wing politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon maneuvered Macron into this uncomfortable position. In the presidential election, in which he finished third, the 70-year-old had already gathered many opponents and those disappointed by the dynamic and eloquent Macron. He then united the fragmented left into a new left alliance in record time and shouted: “Elect me as prime minister.” A coup and propaganda coup that catapulted the left-wing alliance to practically the same percentage as the Macron camp in the first ballot. The strong performance of the left alliance now drove Macron to his appeal.
There have even been three times in the past few decades that a prime minister from an opposing camp has sat opposite the president due to a lack of a majority in parliament. This is the situation that Mélenchon is aiming for, which in France is called cohabitation. So far, however, the surveys do not indicate that it will come to that.
Expert fears “ungovernable situation” in France
“The chaos, that’s Macron,” Mélenchon said in an interview with the newspaper “Le Parisien” about the president and his alarmist appearance. He promises a “reparliamentarisation of political life”. Not only the opposition could benefit from this, but also the government camp with its various groups, the newspaper “Le Monde” analyzed. Macron’s concern, however, is that left-wing politicians in sensitive positions such as the chairmanship of the budget committee are constantly threatened by show fights staged by the media. “You will have to invent a new modus vivendi in Parliament,” sociologist Étienne Ollion told the newspaper.
“The absence of parties and parliamentary culture in political life in France can indeed lead to a situation of ungovernability, which ends in favoring authoritarian proposals,” said Fondapol think tank director-general Dominique Reynié to “Le moons”. The unprecedented personalization of the parliamentary elections with Mélenchon does not promise any rapid change, said constitutional lawyer Marie-Anne Cohendet. “This is another sign of the personalization of power that poisons political life in France.” Mélenchon creates a kind of opposition monarchy.
And what is the showdown between the two politicians who are not even on the ballot paper about? What moves the French? The overriding issue is purchasing power, which is dwindling with the Ukraine war and inflation. The state of the schools and the health system is also top of the list. In the sparsely conducted election campaign, there were promises of more social benefits on the one hand and a revival of the economy and labor market on the other. The sticking point is the pension, Macron wants to raise the entry age to 65 years, Mélenchon wants to lower it to 60 years. But this dispute is not only being fought in Parliament, but also on the street.
Source: Stern
David William is a talented author who has made a name for himself in the world of writing. He is a professional author who writes on a wide range of topics, from general interest to opinion news. David is currently working as a writer at 24 hours worlds where he brings his unique perspective and in-depth research to his articles, making them both informative and engaging.
