Just a month ago, the New Popular Front (NFP) did not exist; today, it holds the most seats in the French parliament and stands poised to potentially appoint France’s next prime minister.
Here’s what you should know:
Who are the NFP?
This left-wing coalition comprises several parties, including the far-left France Unbowed, the moderate Socialist Party, the green Ecologist Party, the French Communist Party, center-left Place Publique, and other smaller parties. The coalition formed shortly after President Emmanuel Macron announced a snap parliamentary election.
How many seats did they win?
The NFP secured 182 seats in the National Assembly, emerging as the largest bloc but falling short of an absolute majority, as reported by the French Interior Ministry.
Who leads the NFP? Leadership within the coalition remains ambiguous; ahead of the second round, the nomination for prime minister was uncertain. Notably, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, a 72-year-old populist figure and long-time leader of France Unbowed, stands out as a prominent and somewhat controversial figure.
Who will become the next prime minister?
With a hung parliament, the question of who will lead remains unanswered. Members of Macron’s Ensemble party have consistently voiced reluctance to collaborate with France Unbowed, viewing it as too extreme to govern effectively, much like the RN.
What are the NFP’s policies? The coalition has campaigned on a broad economic agenda, promising to increase the minimum wage, cap essential goods’ prices, and repeal Macron’s unpopular pension reform that raised France’s retirement age. In terms of foreign policy, the NFP has pledged immediate recognition of a Palestinian state and advocated for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.