France’s progressive parties have united to establish a new coalition in order to present a unified front against the far-right bloc led by Marine Le Pen’s National Rally (RN).
The New Popular Front (NPF), which is composed of the Socialists, Greens, Communists, and the far-left Unbowed parties, has been formed to combat the far-right forces, as stated by the leader of the Socialists, Raphaël Glucksmann.
In the lead-up to the French parliamentary elections, it is anticipated that Le Pen’s far-right bloc will emerge as the largest group, with the NPF following closely behind, while President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist bloc is expected to come in third.
After the defeat of centrists in the recent European Parliamentary elections, Macron dissolved the parliament and announced snap elections to be held in two rounds on June 30 and July 7. Predictions suggest that Macron’s centrists are likely to face a significant defeat in the upcoming elections.
In both France and other parts of Europe, such as Germany, right-wing parties saw significant gains in the EU elections. Consequently, the French elections are being held against the backdrop of the rise of right-wing forces in Europe.
Despite the leftists joining forces under the NPF, the alliance is not without its challenges. It represents a significant compromise for the Socialists to collaborate with the far-left Unbowed party. Glucksmann emphasized the necessity for the party to make sacrifices for the greater good in an interview with The Guardian.
