With 25.6% according to Ipsos/Sopra Steria estimates, the union of the left (Nupes) is neck and neck with the presidential coalition Together (25.2%) after the first round of the legislative elections.

French legislative: "A first successful test" for the Nupes which challenges the macronists

The leader of rebellious France Jean-Luc Mélenchon, during his speech after the announcement of the first estimates of the first round of legislative elections, June 12, 2022 in Paris.

Text by: RFI Follow

2 mins

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The leader of the Nupes Jean-Luc Mélenchon played it rather sober this evening,

notes our special correspondent at the HQ of the Nupes

, Aurélien Devernoix.

It must be said that the projections give the union of the left very far from a majority at the end of the second round, which makes his wish to become Prime Minister a little more distant still.

But all the leaders of the Nupes say it, these results were still unexpected a few weeks ago.

And the opportunity is great to come out of these legislative elections with a resurrected left.

We passed a first test successfully

," said rebellious MEP Manon Aubry to RFI.

The Nupes claims to feel a form of concern, even panic, in the presidential ranks at the end of this slap for Emmanuel Macron, according to the words of several activists present this evening.

Proof of this is the refusal of the outgoing majority to call for a vote for the left in the event of a Nupes-National Rally duel.

“

A shame

”, according to the communist leader Ian Brossat.

But to win these legislative elections, it would take a miracle, "

a surge of voters

", wished Jean-Luc Mélenchon.

“

Each voice on Sunday will count double next Sunday

,” added the boss of environmentalists Julien Bayou.

A new campaign therefore begins this evening with a strategy for Nupes that is taking shape: to make the second round an anti-Macron referendum and to recover a maximum of votes whatever their origin.

► To read also: French legislative: will Emmanuel Macron have the majority in the Assembly?

For the presidential coalition, a victory without triumph

Indeed, the low range of projections on the number of Macronist deputies is below the 289 deputies necessary to have this absolute majority and therefore have free rein to govern,

recalls

Anthony Lattier,

special envoy to the HQ of the presidential coalition

This explains tonight the lack of triumphalism of the presidential camp, and which also explains the call for mobilization for the second round, launched by Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne, who warned the French against the risk of "

political instability

To win this majority

, the macronie is now relying on its voice reserves.

She thinks she has more than the left already gathered for this first round.

However, it will be difficult for some members of the government.

Fifteen present themselves and the Minister for the Ecological Transition, Amélie de Montchalin, and the Minister for European Affairs Clément Beaune are currently in an unfavorable ballot.

For the time being, the presidential camp does not give voting instructions in the event of a duel between the union of the left and the far right.

Instructions will be made on a case-by-case basis.

It is finally the logical continuation of the positions taken by Emmanuel Macron this week who had sent the far left and the far right back to back.

French legislative: "A first successful test" for the Nupes which challenges the macronists

French legislative: "A first successful test" for the Nupes which challenges the macronists

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