For Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the matter is almost over. Michel Barnier will fall “between December 15 and 21”, “, he predicted on Sunday, November 17 on France 3. Still theoretical, this hypothesis has gained weight in recent days: the left alliance, the New Popular Front (NFP) plans to present proposals for motions of censure in December in case of resort by the government to article 49.3 of the Constitution to approve the 2025 budget, and Marine Le Pen stated, on Wednesday, November 20, that the National Rally (RN) will not hesitate to join the censure if “The purchasing power of the French is reduced” – allow the motion to obtain a majority. This perspective forces the NFP, which came first in July’s legislative elections, to think about what comes next.
In July, the four coalition parties ended up speaking with one voice and promoted the candidacy of Lucie Castets for Matignon. Four months later, the mood has changed. If all left-wing deputies – including François Hollande – are willing to vote in favor of censure, the alliance could fall apart over the strategy to follow next.
On France 3, Jean-Luc Mélenchon presented his vision of events, predicting “a choice [présidentielle] provided”. “This is what looms over us”he argued, convinced that the political configuration will force the head of state, Emmanuel Macron, to resign and cause a return to the polls. This scenario seems to be favored by the former socialist senator, who took the opportunity to position himself. “If it is an election that is being held right now, I can certainly dare to go”developed, verbalizing an ambition that he had kept silent until then.
Jean-Luc Mélenchon would pull the rug out from under his NFP partners, who dream of an alternative candidacy to his, but which they have not had time to bring to light. “He is in the best position to represent himself in an early election”agrees the president (La Francia insumisa, LFI) of the finance commission of the National Assembly, Eric Coquerel, who believes that “The left is not lost, seeing what it has shown” in the chamber, in particular when he voted in favor of 75 billion euros of additional revenue during the budget debate.
The PS is considering other options besides an NFP government
This enthusiasm for Emmanuel Macron’s surrender fuels the thesis of those who think that the “rebels” do not really want to reach the government. Although, they also continue to support the candidacy of Lucie Castets for the position of Prime Minister. “We have a base of 192-193 deputies. We can have majorities with others. Let’s try it. Macron has no other solutions”considers Eric Coquerel.
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