In France, a coalition of left-wing parties has come together to present a program aimed at reversing the pro-business policies of President Macron. The New Popular Front includes the Parti socialiste (PS), La France insoumise (LFI), the Greens, and the Communists. Their 150-page program includes lowering retirement age, halting unemployment insurance reform, and increasing the minimum wage. Additionally, they propose freezing food and energy prices and adjusting wages to inflation automatically.
The left-wing coalition sees this program as a way to combat the victory of the extreme right, particularly the Rassemblement national (RN), which has been leading in the polls. With up to 35 percent of the vote expected to go to the extreme right, the left is quickly pulling together to form a strong coalition. However, critics warn that the demands are unaffordable and may lead to economic disaster. The left’s proposals could jeopardize the French national budget, which has been struggling with deficits.
Despite these concerns, the New Popular Front is determined to move forward with its program titled “Rupture.” They plan to field joint candidates in all constituencies to secure a solid bloc of seats in parliament. They emphasize that their fight goes beyond politics and includes unions, artists, intellectuals, and anyone who wants to combat racism and anti-Semitism. Large demonstrations are planned against the extreme right in Paris and other cities as they seek to mobilize public support for their platform. As election day approaches, it remains uncertain whether these left-wing policies will resonate with French voters or whether they can effectively counteract
