The PS largely adopted the agreement with La France insoumise, Europe Ecologie-Les Verts and the Communist Party. The National Council of the PS was invited to decide, Thursday, May 5, on whether or not to join the New Popular Ecological and Social Union (Nupes). According to figures provided by the party, the “for” won 167 votes from the National Council, a score of 62.3%. The “against” got 101 votes, a score of 37.7%. “Now we will campaign together”said Olivier Faure, the leader of the PS, after the announcement of the results.
“In the first round of the presidential election, there are only 12 constituencies where Anne Hidalgo exceeded 3% of the vote. And none above 5%”recalled Olivier Faure before the vote. “Instead of fighting with each other on the left, we should ask ourselves how to work together even if we are different [avec LFI]“, he estimated. Olivier Faure mentioned “a moment of clarification” because “this vote says to which political space we belong. There is a doubt in the public opinion which has been expressed regularly for five years”. “We are in a political space which is the left and we will not move from it!”he continued.
If this national council took place in a rather serene way, the exchanges were sometimes lively during the speeches, reflecting the different sensitivities of the PS. Former Minister Laurence Rossignol welcomed an agreement “which will make it possible to elect a maximum of deputies”. Patrick Mennuci, opposed to the agreement, believes that with the latter, “the PS is no longer a party of government but a party in tow of all radicalism”. “What are you going to do when we have to allow burkinis in swimming pools?”he added. “Are you going to exclude Carole Delga who supports dissidents?”launched François Kalfon at the direction of the PS during the National Council.
Despite the late hour, the reactions were numerous after the announcement of the results. Executives from La France insoumise described the moment as“historical”. “History continues to be written. By validating the agreement, the Socialist Party is definitively turning the page of the Hollande five-year term and finally reconnecting with socialism”, commented on Twitter LFI MEP Manon Aubry. Manuel Bompard, also an LFI MEP, greeted the “courageous step” of Olivier Faure and the PS.
“The left is gathered for the legislative elections. Now let’s win!”, reacted Fabien Rousselthe former PCF presidential candidate. “Let’s combine climate ambition and social justice. Immense hope and responsibility”, tweeted Julien Bayounational secretary of EELV.
Within the PS, reactions are mixed. “Let’s give a plural left majority to the National Assembly in June!”, wrote on Twitter Boris VallaudPS deputy for Landes. Stephane Trousselthe socialist president of Seine Saint-Denis, hailed a “choice of future and hope for all those who carry our values”. On his side, Jean-Christophe Cambadélis, former boss of the PSbelieves that Olivier Faure “gave the keys to the truck” to Jean-Luc Melenchon. “The debate between REFOUNDATION and INFEODATION has only just begun!”he continued, issuing this warning: “The refusal of the agreement is on the rise.”