What France’s left-wing alliance victory means for Europe
The recent victory of France’s left-wing alliance in the snap legislative elections has sent waves across Europe. The exit polls showing this surprise win were met with relief in various European circles. Many centrists feared that a far-right government in France, the European Union’s second-largest economy, would create economic and political instability. Also, there are some concerns about weakening the bloc’s support for Ukraine. However, the resulting hung parliament, and lack of a clear path to a governing coalition, continue to cast uncertainty over France’s influence in Brussels.
Final results indicate that the left-wing New Popular Front alliance secured 182 of the 577 seats in the French National Assembly. President Macron’s centrist alliance won 168 seats. The National Rally obtained 143 seats. This outcome suggests a potential for a left-leaning government. But they might have to share power with centrist President Emmanuel Macron.
Macron’s political standing
Despite losing seats, President Macron maintains his political credibility. Federico Santopinto, director at the French think tank IRIS, says he will be less weakened than expected. For him, France will continue to be able to exercise its international role as it has done until now. He adds that a strong government in Paris is crucial for EU stability. So the current political gridlock necessitates a pragmatic solution to address pressing priorities, while preventing the rise of Le Pen.
Olivia Lazard, a fellow at Carnegie Europe, emphasized the importance of Macron’s continued leadership in countering radical right influences and maintaining stability against Russian influence. “France at the moment is still one of the key bastions in Europe against the rise of the radical right, and against the influence of Russia,” Lazard told Euronews’ Radio Schuman. This leadership is seen as crucial for maintaining defense and security in Europe.
Climate activists also welcomed the defeat of the National Rally. National Rally leader Jordan Bardella had previously campaigned against the European Green Deal. He even called for France to abandon the initiative and criticized EU environmental policies as punitive. The left-wing alliance advocates for a climate plan aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. They also want to enhance France’s renewable energy capabilities, including offshore wind and hydroelectric power.
A wake-up call for Europe
Neil Makaroff, director of the European think-tank Strategic Perspectives, stated, “This French election is a wake-up call for European leaders. It’s time to take action to tackle deindustrialisation, under-investment, and households’ energy bills, which have risen due to a costly dependence on imports of gas, oil, and coal.” The National Rally and its European allies had promised to obstruct the European Green Deal ahead of the European elections, a stance that had been supported by some center-right forces, drawing widespread criticism.
Despite Macron’s weakened position, experts warn that this could have adverse effects on the fight against climate change. The left-wing alliance’s victory, however, offers a renewed focus on sustainable energy and climate action, signaling a potential shift in France’s environmental policies and its broader impact on Europe.
