“Yes, it breaks your heart when we are reproached for not making social reforms!” Anastasia, a young LREM activist and collaborator of Bas-Rhin deputy Thierry Michels, is in the middle of a discussion with Patricia, retired and Emmanuel Macron’s voter since 2017. In a black dressing gown on her doorstep in the rue des Juifs, in the center of Strasbourg, it welcomes the outgoing president’s proposal to introduce a minimum retirement pension of 1,100 euros. “It’s not so bad”salute the one who describes herself as “ex-PS”for which “it was out of the question to vote for this crazy Mélenchon”. There is no question of voting for Le Pen either. “I don’t want people messing around with Putin”continues the retiree, snubbing her dog in the shadow of her door.
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“Thank you, you make me happy!” Anastasia enthuses in return. Patricia still seems worried: the Macron-Le Pen duel promises to be tighter than five years ago. “I’m not relieved yet, it’s not done yet”, loose the former socialist voter. The presidential has already left traces in his entourage. She fell out with a friend who wanted to convince her to vote for Jean-Luc Mélenchon. The two friends have not spoken since.
The retiree is not really representative of the street she lives in. This shopping street in the heart of Strasbourg, a stone’s throw from its famous cathedral, had never before been “done” by the militants of Emmanuel Macron. “At first sight, it is not very favorable to us”, they warned us. In these old buildings in the city center reside many left-wing voters. The candidate of La France insoumise came first in Strasbourg on the evening of April 10, with 35.4% of the vote, ahead of Emmanuel Macron (30.19%). In 2017, it was the opposite: the LREM candidate (27.76%) was ahead of Jean-Luc Mélenchon (24.36%).
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LREM activists have therefore taken up their pilgrim’s staff. “Those who voted Mélenchon, we want to convince them to vote Macron. But yes, there is a vote to reject Macron, these left-wing voters say they are disappointed with the second round and I can understand, we are reliving history for a second time”, recognizes Grégory, a student at Sciences-Po and a member of Young People with Macron (JAM). He wants to say to these voters: “Certainly, you do not agree with Macron but opposite, there is a far-right candidate who will destroy everything that has been done.” Black felt hat on her head, Anastasia nods.
“When you’re on the left, I don’t see how you can’t face Marine Le Pen.”
Anastasia, LREM activistat franceinfo
The young woman has “fear” abstention. However, according to an Ipsos-Sopra Steria poll carried out on April 13, 33% of Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s voters think they are voting for Emmanuel Macron, against 18% for Marine Le Pen. And 49% do not express themselves on this point.
Pierre-Paul could fall into this category. He too slipped a Mélenchon ballot in the first round and must now make a choice. “It tends more towards Macron, unless it is abstentionist”he said on his doorstep. This consultant hesitates. “There needs to be more social measures”, he says. Anastasia remains perplexed: “Social measures are very broad, what do you want to talk about?” The man picks up another idea: “He needs to be more attentive to the people.” Anastasia bounces: “Okay, we may not be the president but we are here to listen to you.” As the discussion progressed, Pierre-Paul seemed to lean more towards the Macron vote. A small victory for Anastasia, who prefers “listening” and “the exchange” instead of “to convince” and of “to say that Emmanuel Macron is the best”.
In an old Alsatian building whose small balcony covered with plants overlooks a charming patio, the activists come across Bernard and Régine, a couple in their sixties. Régine is a painter and her husband works in bookbinding and book restoration. “After 48 years of work, I do not exceed 3,000 euros”, slips Bernard, who started working at the age of 15. Without enthusiasm, they will “barrage” to Marine Le Pen.
“I voted Mélenchon and I will vote Macron, but it’s not a vote of the heart.”
Régine, painterat franceinfo
Like Patricia, Régine is also a former voter of the PS. “We knew that Hidalgo was going to make 2%, we voted Mélenchon because he had a chance to pass and therefore to take the left in the second round.” Anastasia nods while Abbel, 17, who accompanies her during this door-to-door, displays an impassive face. He does not flinch when Régine develops why she does not like the outgoing president, “too right”. “He certainly comes from the left but he has turned a lot to the right. The abolition of the ISF is not possible, or even the little things, like the five euros from the APL”she lists.
Anastasia is trying to bounce back from this controversial drop in housing assistance at the start of the five-year term. “You know, the APLs, it was compensated by…” she tries. “Don’t try to convince me, I’m going to vote for him, it’s much better than Le Pen, we actually shake our thumbs”, engages Régine. The sexagenarian still wants to send a message: “You know, I have a lot of colleagues who voted Mélenchon and who will vote blank.”
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The risk of a weak transfer of votes from the voters of Jean-Luc Mélenchon on the candidacy of Emmanuel Macron in the second round, LREM activists are aware of this, and are in despair. “To vote blank or not to vote, it amounts to giving votes to Marine Le Pen”considers Gregory.
The young activist tries to reassure himself: “I still see people who are happy that Emmanuel Macron is in contact with people. They find that he is more in contact than Marine Le Pen.” A group of friends are walking down the street. One of them notices the leaflets and bags bearing the image of the outgoing president. “Come on, the other must not win!” he encourages with a raised fist. Another passer-by comes forward to grab some leaflets. Something to give a smile to Macronist activists.