The French government, led by President Emmanuel Macron, is facing a significant threat in the upcoming legislative elections. In an attempt to improve poll numbers and combat the potential victory of the extreme right National Group (RN), 24 government members, including Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, and Foreign Affairs Minister Stéphane Séjourné, have put their names forward as candidates for the National Assembly.
However, not all government members are participating in the elections. Notable absences include Economy and Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire and Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu. Despite this, the involvement of government members in the election is seen as an attempt to boost poll numbers and improve their chances of remaining in power.
The upcoming legislative elections are also marked by tensions between left-wing parties. A coalition known as the Popular Front has been formed with Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s party at its forefront. However, there are disagreements among parties over candidate selection within the coalition.
In addition to these issues, a controversial pact between the National Group (RN) and Republican Party (LR) has caused controversy. The agreement involves RN not presenting candidates in certain constituencies, which has faced opposition from within LR itself. Despite this alliance, some LR members are still running against RN-backed candidates in certain areas. The impact of this pact is still being assessed as election day approaches.
Overall, it seems that both traditional left-wing parties and radical right-wing groups have a chance to make gains in these elections. Only time will tell which party or coalition will emerge victorious on election day.
