In the past, the traditional right and leftwing parties have struck agreements to stand down candidates from the runoffs to avoid splitting the vote against the RN. But the tactical voting strategy known as the "republican front" is less certain than ever.
Leaders of President Emmanuel Macron's centrist alliance and the New Popular Front alliance (NFP) indicated they would withdraw their own candidates in districts where another candidate was better placed to beat the RN.
In a written statement, Macron called on voters to rally behind candidates who are "clearly republican and democratic", which, based on his recent declarations, would exclude candidates from the RN and from the France Unbowed (LFI) party of JeanLuc Mélenchon, which is a key member of the NFP alliance. But the left said Macron's position, and that of his centrists, had to be made more clear.
The prime minister, Gabriel Attal, who is likely to be forced to resign, warned the far right was at the "gates of power" and said the RN should not get a "single vote" in the second round.
This story is from the July 05, 2024 edition of The Guardian Weekly.
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This story is from the July 05, 2024 edition of The Guardian Weekly.
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