Left-wing coalition wins French parliamentary elections
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The left-wing coalition New Popular Front wins the parliamentary elections in France but fails to secure a majority.
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People gather on the Republique plaza following the second round of the legislative elections, Sunday, July 7, 2024 in Paris. (AP)
The French Ministry of the Interior announced on Monday that the left-wing coalition, New Popular Front, has won the parliamentary elections in France, securing 182 seats in parliament.
According to the final data published by the ministry, French President Emmanuel Macron's coalition, Ensemble, came in second place with 168 seats, while the far-right, National Rally party, led by Marine Le Pen and chaired by Jordan Bardella, came in third with 143 seats.
The Republican Party followed in the next rank with 45 seats. The remaining participating parties collectively secured 39 seats.
No party or coalition achieved an absolute majority, which requires 289 seats out of the 577 members of the French parliament.
Following his coalition's victory, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the La France Insoumise party, stated "We must recognize the State of Palestine."
Nous aurons un ou une Premier ministre du Nouveau Front Populaire.
— Jean-Luc Mélenchon (@JLMelenchon) July 7, 2024
Nous pourrons décider de nombreuses choses par décrets.
Sur le plan international, il faudra s'entendre pour reconnaître l'État de Palestine.#VictoireNFP pic.twitter.com/XYkzTk0zS4
Mélenchon faces significant criticism for his stance on the war in Gaza, with some accusing him of "antisemitism". Notable among his positions is his assertion that "Israel's" actions in Gaza are "not legitimate self-defense but ethnic cleansing." He has called for a ceasefire in Gaza and urged France to use its political and diplomatic power to achieve this.
The leftist leader of the La France Insoumise party demanded that Macron acknowledge his defeat in the elections, called for the prime minister's resignation, and declared that the French people would not accept "any betrayal of their votes," adding that "the people said no to the far-right, and we reject Macron's policies."
Following Mélenchon's calls, French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal announced his intention to resign from the premiership and to continue working until a new government is formed.
International congratulations to the New Popular Front
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro congratulated the New Popular Front on its legislative election victory, sending "greetings to the French people, to the social movements, and their popular forces on this important day that strengthens unity and peace."
He added, "What happened sends a strong message to the world that the unity of the left and progressives is the only viable alternative in the face of the major threats to humanity represented by neoliberalism and global fascism today."
Maduro expressed his hope that the new government would be able to meet the needs of its people and contribute to generating the necessary balances on the international stage, reinforcing the reestablishment of fundamental values inherent in peace, justice, and global stability.
He reiterated his country's desire to "build healthy and productive relations of mutual benefit with the French Republic, based on respect for international law, as well as the principles of equality, sovereignty, and self-determination of our peoples."
In turn, Colombian President Gustavo Petro commented on the left's victory in France, saying, "It is a global revolution for life, liberty, equality, and fraternity," noting that "humanity has reacted in its saddest moments."
Furthermore, Brazilian President Lula da Silva expressed his happiness with the political forces in France, saying they "demonstrated greatness and maturity by uniting against extremism in the legislative elections."
He added, "This result, in addition to the victory of the Labour Party in the United Kingdom, highlights the importance of dialogue among progressive segments in defense of democracy and social justice."
Additionally, former Bolivian President Evo Morales noted that what happened "is a great example that the unity of popular forces can overcome any obstacle."
Read more: Who are the leaders of French left-wing coalition leading elections?
