The French political scene is in turmoil, with internal tensions and unexpected alliances forming ahead of the early elections on June 30th. Raphael Glucksmann, a progressive leader, is trying to strategically unite the left-wing forces to counter the united right-wingers, while Vincent Bolloré, billionaire tycoon and influential political figure, is said to be behind the pact between Marine Le Pen's Rassemblement National and the Gaullists. Meanwhile, the president Emmanuel Macron, faces his personal challenge. Despite his past electoral triumphs, the tenant of the Elysée is experiencing growing dissent among French voters. As he seeks to reinvigorate his public image, his leadership is increasingly contested, especially outside Paris, paving the way for political alternatives that promise to shake up the status quo.
Bolloré, the mastermind behind the French right-wing union
Vincent Bolloré he has long been a key supporter of the union of the right in France. As reported by Corriere della Sera, the billionaire tycoon orchestrated the financing of an unprecedented coalition between the Republicans and the Rassemblement National. With his ability to shape political alliances, Bolloré facilitated talks between conservative factions with the aim of uniting a moderate right with a more identitarian one under one banner. This coalition, described by Le Monde and inspired by the Italian model, is divided into three factions: the Rassemblement National of Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella, positioned centrally like Giorgia Meloni and Fratelli di Italia; a more radical and identitarian right led by Eric Zemmour, with positions similar to those of Matteo Salvini and Lega; finally the Republicans, moderate, liberal and slightly pro-European, who saw their consensus drop below 10%, following a path similar to that of Forza Italia before a sudden recovery in the European elections. Bolloré's intention is clear: to mitigate internal fragmentation and consolidate a united and powerful conservative front.
Republicans in chaos: Ciotti expelled but does not give up
The agreement between the Gaullists and the Rn was not exempt from internal conflicts. Ciotti's announcement met with strong opposition among party leaders, also raising doubts on the part of Nicolas Sarkozy. Xavier Bertrand, known for beating Marine Le Pen in the Hauts-de-France region, expressed outrage, calling Ciotti lacking honor and courage and contributing to his dismissal. This led to the appointment of Annie Genevard as the new leader, but Ciotti, elected by party members, reiterated his position: "I remain the president of our political formation."
In the Le Pen family, a similar drama occurred. Marion Marechal, granddaughter of both Marine Le Pen and founder Jean-Marie Le Pen, left the party to join Reconquest, the movement of Eric Zemmour. However, his attempt to create an alliance between Riconquista and Rassemblement National was denied by Bardella, intensifying tensions and divisions within Zemmour's party.
Glucksmann supports "the union of the left" but rejects Mélenchon, like Hollande
The political drama also extends to the French left, where the concept of Front Popular. This historic alliance, dating back to the 30s, appears today as a united opposition force against the rise of the united right. Despite initial projections indicating good prospects, with forecasts of winning between 150 and 190 seats, it remains in the background behind the Rassemblement National, projected between 220 and 270 seats, far from the absolute majority of 289 seats. At the center of the discussions is Raphael Glucksmann, leader of Place Publique who after four days of silence showed support for a strategic unit on the left in view of the legislative elections, but has ruled out joining the new electoral cartel of the left under construction. “The union of the left is crucial to prevent the Rassemblement National from winning and taking over the government of the country”, underlined the architect of the resurrection of the moderate left, who with the Alliance between Socialists and its Place Publique movement obtained the Europeans 14%.
Glucksmann justified his position by referring to the guarantees obtained on the support to Ukraine condemnation of anti-Semitism, granted by the forces that make up the coalition, including the left-wing radicals of Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of La France Insoumise. However, he clearly has ruled out Mélenchon as a potential coalition leader, preferring a more conciliatory and less divisive figure to represent the opposition.
At the same time, the former president Francois Hollande he added fuel to the fire by openly criticizing Mélenchon. During a television interview on TF1, the former tenant of the Elysée accused him of polarizing and fragmenting the left-wing political landscape. His appeal was for a more pragmatic and moderate strategy to unite progressive forces against the danger posed by the far right.
The announcement of these alliances and the polarized reactions have ignited public debate as France faces increasingly pressing economic and social challenges. With an uncertain electorate, the outcome of the next elections could radically change the political course of the country. The fate of Europe hangs in the balance as we wait to see the impact of these coalitions on voters' votes and the future French government.
