The profoundly worrying results of the first round of the French legislative elections require a united reaction of all democratic forces in the second round, the Party of European Socialists (PES) said after the first results were announced early Monday.
The National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen and the far-right bloc, won first place with around 33.2% of the votes cast.
The New Popular Front, an alliance of left-wing parties co-led by the PES member party Parti Socialiste, came in second, with 28.1% of the vote. The PES fully supported the New Popular Front ahead of the first round of elections.
PES President Stefan Löfven said:
“The responsible thing to be done now is to support every candidate who has the best chance against Le Pen’s bloc in the second round next Sunday.
“Women’s rights, human rights, freedoms, and European values are at stake. Political leaders and citizens committed to democratic and open societies must mobilise against the RN.”
“To defeat the far right in France and all over Europe, we must continue to put forward progressive policies that answer citizens’ concerns and improve their lives and livelihoods.”
PES Secretary General Giacomo Filibeck said:
“The PES commends the results of the New Popular Front and the commitment of Parti Socialiste leader Olivier Faure and Place Publique’s Raphaël Glucksmann during the campaign. Their result is encouraging.”
“We call for the mobilisation of all democrats. We have one week to convince voters”
The second round of the French legislative elections is on 7 July, and the PES extends its full support to all candidates in a position to defeat the far-right.
