The New Popular Front (NFP) faces uncertainty following the Socialist Party’s refusal to support censure motions against François Bayrou’s government. Jean-Luc Mélenchon criticized this decision, labeling the socialists as “traitors.” While some party members reaffirmed their commitment to opposing Macronism, others, including socialist leaders, stressed the importance of unity among leftist parties. Despite Mélenchon’s concerns about the NFP’s future, key figures from the Socialist Party and ecologists expressed optimism about maintaining alliances and combating far-right threats together.
Is the New Popular Front Facing Its Demise?
This Monday, February 3, the future of the New Popular Front (NFP) became a hot topic among morning show guests, sparked by the Socialist Party’s choice not to support the motions of censure directed at François Bayrou’s government. Jean-Luc Mélenchon quickly responded in a blog post, stating, “The NFP is reduced to a party. We will need to verify who remains and how to function,” while other members of his faction criticized the socialists, labeling them as “traitors.”
Reactions from Party Members
In a bid to ease tensions, several party members acknowledged Mélenchon’s sentiments while emphasizing their commitment to the initial electoral program. “We were elected on a program that clearly positions us as staunch opponents of Macronism. The socialists, by refraining from voting for the censure, are effectively stepping away from the opposition and supporting the government indirectly. This constitutes a betrayal of the NFP,” stated LFI deputy and Finance Committee President Eric Coquerel on RTL.
Clémence Guetté, the Assembly’s vice-president, urged the socialists to “regain composure” within 24 hours and join the censure vote. She articulated, “The New Popular Front consists of deputies dedicated to a shared program and proposals. We will have the rebels, ecologists, and communists voting for these motions, while the socialists will act according to their own conscience.”
Despite the upheaval, key figures from the affected parties remain optimistic about the NFP’s viability. “The NFP was formed with the intent to combat the far right. Whenever this threat looms, the left must unite,” affirmed Olivier Faure, the First Secretary of the Socialist Party, during his appearance on France Inter.
In response to assertions about Mélenchon’s influence, PS Secretary General Pierre Jouvet remarked that “the NFP does not belong to Jean-Luc Mélenchon,” asserting that such statements “no longer impress anyone” and do not benefit the left or ecological movements. He reiterated his party’s commitment to fostering unity for a political shift in the country. Similarly, socialist deputy Guillaume Garot expressed to TF1info that “our alliances are not called into question; the gathering of the left remains intact.”
Ecologists also echoed this sentiment. A member stated, “When I hear Jean-Luc Mélenchon declaring that this is the end of the NFP, I find it unwise. We must either accept the NFP’s demise or choose to ensure its survival. If we all commit to overcoming these challenges, we will succeed,” she concluded on RTL, emphasizing her respect for the socialist decision made at the National Bureau meeting.