Progressive EU politicians say French showed how to beat far-right
Socialist and leftist politicians from across Europe expressed their satisfaction about the defeat of far-right Rassemblement national (RN) in the second round of the French elections on Sunday, pointing to the power of unity between leftist forces.
Although forming a coalition government will be challenging, progressive politicians across the bloc focused on the fact that leftist forces in France got over their long-standing differences and formed the Nouveau Front populaire (NFP) bloc, winning the elections.
Read more: Major surprise as left coalition on course to beat far right
In Spain, socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who governs with leftists, hailed the result as a decisive rejection of far-right drawing parallels to the UK elections last week, when the Labour party triumphed.
“This week, two of the largest countries in Europe have chosen the same path that Spain chose a year ago: the rejection of the extreme right and a decisive commitment to a social left that addresses people’s problems with serious and brave policies”, Sánchez commented on X.
“The United Kingdom and France have said YES to progress and social advancement and NO to the regression in rights and freedoms”, he added.
In Italy, Elly Schlein, secretary of the opposition socialist Partido Democrático – who is pushing for a leftist coalition domestically against hard-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni – spoke of an “extraordinary result for the united left and a good response of participation […] the right can be beaten”.
Also read: Italy’s left calls for progressive coalition after electoral success
In Berlin, German lawmaker and foreign policy spokesperson for the social democrat SPD party, Nils Schmid, said the “worst” was avoided as the RN would not be able to form a governing majority.
The German politician admitted that French President Emmanuel Macron is “politically weakened” and described forming a coalition government as “tricky”.
In Greece, both leftists and socialists—who remain fragmented—attributed the far-right defeat to the unity of French left forces.
Meanwhile, former leftist prime minister Alexis Tsipras intervened, saying progressive forces should overcome their differences.
“The French lesson is not only about France. It concerns all of Europe. And Greece, obviously”, Tsipras commented.
Read more: Poll confirms Greece’s political system is in crisis
On the other side of the Atlantic, Brazil’s leftist President Lula da Silva hailed the “maturity” of French political forces and, together with the UK results, should serve as an “inspiration for South America”.
Last but not least, in Poland, centre-right Prime Minister Donald Tusk focused on the foreign policy side of the French elections:
“In Paris enthusiasm, in Moscow disappointment, in Kyiv relief. Enough to be happy in Warsaw”.
(Sarantis Michalopoulos – Edited by Alice Taylor)
Read more with Euractiv
