The political situation in France is completely in turmoil. Before the final round of the parliamentary elections, there is no sign of a majority capable of forming a government.
As the decisive round of parliamentary elections in France approaches this Sunday, there is little prospect of a stable government. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal once again called for a “diverse national assembly in which various political forces are represented.” But the aim is in any case to prevent an absolute majority for the right-wing nationalist Rassemblement National, he said at a campaign event.
In many constituencies, it is therefore necessary to vote against the right-wing candidates by giving one’s vote to a political competitor who has a better chance than the candidate from one’s own camp. However, this does not mean that one supports the political aspirations of the competitor – for example, when supporters of President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist camp vote for candidates from the left-wing alliance to block the extreme right.
As was announced on the evening after the deadline, there will be tactical agreements in over 210 of the 577 constituencies for the final round of the election. This means that third-placed candidates from the left-wing alliance or the government camp withdrew their candidacy in the first round to allow the other to win against the right. According to a preliminary count by the newspaper “Le Parisien”, 215 constituencies are at stake. 76 of the 577 parliamentary seats were already directly awarded in the first round of voting.
Left-wing politician rules out cooperation with Macron camp
In an interview with broadcaster BFMTV, the Left Party’s campaign coordinator, Manuel Bompard, ruled out any government cooperation between his party and the presidential camp. “Our party representatives will only govern to implement their program, their program alone.”
“I will not participate in any government that does not restore tax justice, that does not implement a different policy of wealth distribution than that introduced by Gabriel Attal and Emmanuel Macron themselves,” said the left-wing party official.
Le Pen reaffirms claim to government
The leader of the right-wing Rassemblement National, Marine Le Pen, reiterated her intention to take over the government with an absolute majority. “We want to govern so that things are clear,” she told the broadcaster France Inter. However, it remains to be seen whether the right will achieve an absolute majority.
In the first round of the parliamentary elections at the weekend, the Rassemblement National became the strongest force, ahead of the new left-wing alliance and President Macron’s centrist camp in third place. However, the composition of the National Assembly will only be decided in the decisive second round of voting next Sunday.
Report BFMTV with video sequence Attal and statements Bompard Live Ticker Le Parisien with information on constituencies
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
