For some centrists, the left-wing France Unbowed party and its leader Mélenchon pose an equal or even greater danger than Le Pen. Macron himself has spent much of this campaign slamming the policies of the New Popular Front alliance as “grotesque” and destructive for France.
Opponents have slammed the far left, warning that their spending policies would lead France to bankruptcy. The pro-Macron camp has also zeroed-in on France Unbowed for its hard-line opposition to Israel’s war in Gaza, which has led to accusations of antisemitism.
The far right, meanwhile, is often accused of being unprepared for government and incoherent on economic policy, while pushing divisive measures on immigration.
Economy and Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire, who is not running for reelection, said he didn’t support voting for France Unbowed, even when facing a runoff with a National Rally candidate.
Others, like outgoing Minister of Local Authorities and Rural Affairs Dominique Faure, followed the government’s instructions, but made clear that they disagreed. “Maintaining my candidacy was for me the best solution to fight the extremes,” Faure wrote in a note on Tuesday, announcing her withdrawal after intense pressure from the French president and the prime minister.
Emily Foster is a globe-trotting journalist based in the UK. Her articles offer readers a global perspective on international events, exploring complex geopolitical issues and providing a nuanced view of the world’s most pressing challenges.
