“Alert,” writes Insoumis leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon. On Sunday he accused the Socialist Party of “organizing a new common base” in place of the current New Popular Front alliance. He criticizes him for “going beyond” the left.
“The PS is looking for allies. But it will be without LFI”: Jean-Luc Mélenchon reacted acidly X to the media appearances on Sunday by two PS personalities, the head of deputies Boris Vallaud and the mayor of Saint-Ouen (Seine-Saint-Denis) Karim Bouamrane.
Guest of Political issues (France Inter/Le Monde/Francetv), Boris Vallaud stated in particular that he wanted to propose to all parties, with the exception of the RN, “to raise the issue of non-censorship conditions” if the Barnier government were to be overthrown.
What will happen in case of censorship by the Barnier government?
I make a clear proposal: I will propose to all the presidents of the Assembly and Senate groups, those of the republican arc, to raise the question of non-censorship. The power is in Parliament. #QuestionsPol pic.twitter.com/J8e5EutGQb
— Boris VALLAUD (@BorisVallaud) November 24, 2024
The Landes deputy would like to “pick up the thread” of what “the groups of the New Popular Front” in the Assembly and the Senate “had begun to do in mid-August”, “saying: we are ready for compromise texts by text, we are ready to discuss fiscal policy priorities”.
Enough to make Jean-Luc Mélenchon say that the PS “seeks a national union, to transform the PFN into a new common base with the others”.
Karim Bouamrane accuses Mélenchon of sowing “chaos”
As for Karim Bouamrane, guest on Radio J, Lionel Jospin’s former minister criticized his desire to see ”a technical government” established in the event of the fall of Michel Barnier’s government.
In case of censorship it would be “technical government, peace of the brave, everyone takes back their marbles. And we are preparing for the next elections (…) for the next dissolution”, repeated the mayor of Saint-Ouen.
I notify. The PS is organizing a new common base with others in place of the New Popular Front. Vallaud, Faure, Bouamrane turn to them. Who will prevent this change of line at the PS? pic.twitter.com/S4EAIrWFHO
— Jean-Luc Mélenchon (@JLMelenchon) November 24, 2024
The latter in passing “invited a part” of the rebels, ecologists, socialists and even left-wing voters “to break away from Mélenchon” who he accuses of being just a “spell” and of sowing “chaos”. “Who will prevent this change of line at the PS,” the Insoumis asked in response.
How might the recent tensions between Mélenchon and the Socialist Party impact future elections in France?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Political Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving into the latest developments in French politics. Joining us is Dr. Claire Dupont, a noted political analyst specializing in leftist movements in France. Claire, thank you for being here.
Dr. Claire Dupont (CD): Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time in French politics, especially with the recent exchanges between figures like Jean-Luc Mélenchon and members of the Socialist Party.
TNE: Indeed! Mélenchon has been quite vocal recently, accusing the Socialist Party of trying to create what he calls a “new common base.” What’s your take on his accusations?
CD: Mélenchon’s comments reflect a deep-seated concern among far-left factions that the PS is attempting to move beyond its traditional alliances. His use of the phrase “new common base” suggests he’s worried about the potential dilution of leftist principles in favor of broader, perhaps more centrist, coalitions.
TNE: Exactly! So, when Boris Vallaud, the head of deputies for the PS, mentioned engaging with all parties except the National Rally regarding non-censorship conditions, it stirred quite a controversy. What does this signal for the left?
CD: Vallaud’s approach indicates that the Socialist Party is actively seeking to unite various factions against the current government. However, by excluding the RN, it also demonstrates the PS’s intention to maintain its identity as a leftist party, while potentially alienating those who feel that a broader coalition might be necessary for effective governance.
TNE: And it seems that Karim Bouamrane has also weighed in, accusing Mélenchon of sowing “chaos.” How does this internal conflict within the left affect its long-term viability?
CD: Bouamrane’s criticism highlights a critical divide within the left. If leaders like Mélenchon remain entrenched in their positions while the PS tries to form broader alliances, it could fragment the left’s voter base. However, this strife could also galvanize a more unified response from voters who are frustrated with the current political landscape.
TNE: That’s a fascinating perspective. Mélenchon insists that the PS is seeking a “national union” that would leave the far left behind. Do you think these tensions could lead to a realignment in leftist politics in France?
CD: Absolutely. This dialogue—or lack thereof—between the PS and radical left parties like La France Insoumise (LFI) could precipitate a significant realignment. If Mélenchon’s faction feels marginalized, they might pursue independent strategies, potentially leading to the rise of new movements or parties that more accurately reflect the ideals of the radical left.
TNE: So, in essence, we could be witnessing a pivotal moment for the left in France?
CD: Yes, it is indeed pivotal. The decisions made by both the PS and LFI in the coming months will shape the political landscape. How they negotiate their differences—or fail to do so—could establish the tone for future electoral strategies and policies, especially leading into the next election cycle.
TNE: Thank you, Claire, for your insightful analysis! It seems that the future of the left in France is as complex as ever, and this rift could catalyze significant changes. We appreciate you joining us today.
CD: Thank you for having me! I look forward to seeing how this unfolds.