European leaders applaud election outcomes in France, UK

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
8 Jul 2024 17:00

Comments of appreciation from world leaders poured in throughout Sunday and Monday.

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People gather at the Republique plaza after the second round of the legislative election, Sunday, July 7, 2024 in Paris. (AP)

Several European political figures on Monday expressed satisfaction with the election results in France.

"This week, two of the largest countries in Europe have chosen the same path that Spain chose a year ago: rejection of the extreme right and a decisive commitment to a social left that addresses people's problems with serious and brave policies," Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on X, adding that both the UK and France "have said YES to progress and social advancement and NO to the regression in rights and freedoms."

"There is no agreement or government with the extreme right," Sanchez noted.

Esta semana, dos de los mayores países de Europa han elegido el mismo camino que eligió España hace un año: rechazo a la ultraderecha y apuesta decidida por una izquierda social que aborde los problemas de la gente con políticas serias y valientes.

Reino Unido y Francia han…
— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) July 7, 2024

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk wrote, "In Paris enthusiasm, in Moscow disappointment, in Kiev relief. Enough to be happy in Warsaw."

In Paris enthusiasm, in Moscow disappointment, in Kyiv relief. Enough to be happy in Warsaw.
— Donald Tusk (@donaldtusk) July 7, 2024

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva wrote on X that he feels "very happy with the demonstration of greatness and maturity of the political forces in France that united against extremism in today's legislative elections."

"This result, as well as the victory of the Labor party in the United Kingdom, reinforces the importance of dialogue between progressive segments in defense of democracy and social justice," he added.

"They should serve as an inspiration for South America," Lula further noted.

Muito feliz com a demonstração de grandeza e maturidade das forças políticas da França que se uniram contra o extremismo nas eleições legislativas de hoje. Esse resultado, assim como a vitória do partido trabalhista no Reino Unido, reforça a importância do diálogo entre os…
— Lula (@LulaOficial) July 7, 2024

Greek opposition leader Nikos Androulakis wrote: "A great victory for France and Europe. A great victory for the Republic. With their cumulative participation in the polls, the people of France raised walls against the extreme right, racism and intolerance and guarded the timeless principles of the French Republic: Liberty, Equality and Fraternity."

Μια μεγάλη νίκη για τη Γαλλία και την Ευρώπη. Μια μεγάλη νίκη για τη Δημοκρατία.
Με την αθρόα συμμετοχή του στις κάλπες, ο λαός της Γαλλίας ύψωσε τείχη στην ακροδεξιά, τον ρατσισμό και τη μισαλλοδοξία και περιφρούρησε τις διαχρονικές αρχές της Γαλλικής Δημοκρατίας: την…
— Nikos Androulakis (@androulakisnick) July 7, 2024

On July 7, the New Popular Front emerged as the largest bloc in the National Assembly with 178 seats, while Macron's coalition secured 150 seats, and the National Rally (RN) obtained 125 seats.

The voter turnout reached 66.6%, yet no coalition achieved the required majority of 289 seats.

Following the RN's earlier triumph in the European Parliament elections, Macron dissolved the parliament and called for early elections, leading to significant shifts in the seat distribution among the major political parties.

Meanwhile, in the UK, Keir Starmer's Labour Party secured a landslide victory in the House of Commons, obtaining 412 seats out of 650.

The Conservative Party, which had governed the country for the past 14 years, suffered a substantial setback, losing 250 seats and reducing its count from 471 to 121, with 23.7% of the total vote.