Équinoxe, Pirate Party, Changer l’Europe… These “small” parties running in the European elections

Many parties will apply for the 2024 European elections, with fewer resources than traditional parties.

“Are you voting in the next European elections?” asks a volunteer from the small Équinoxe party in the street. In the polls, the same parties are always mentioned: RN, Renaissance, PS, LR, EELV, LFI. But on June 9, the date of the European elections in France, they will not be the only ones to present 81 candidates for Brussels. Parties have from May 6 to 17 to submit their candidacy. In previous elections, there were a total of 34 lists. And in 2024, once again, the French will have the choice between a multitude of possibilities. And these “small” parties arouse the interest of voters.

An interest that we see on the ground with the young Équinoxe party, hasu during an essential exercise: towing. Around twenty volunteers patrol the metro exits near Paris City Hall. They havestop passers-by, the method is well known but seems to work. “It’s called Equinox. We are a young party. We no longer recognize ourselves in traditional political parties, we want to talk about the environment, we want to talk about democracy.”the volunteers explain to passers-by. “It’s a change from traditional parties”reacts a lady. “I think people also want a bit of renewal. I was interested to know what was on offer. I have an Instagram account so I looked”she explains.

Climate, precariousness and territories to stand out from traditional parties

Courted by other, more experienced lists, Équinoxe declined the offers to join. Created three years ago, the party is well aware that the 5% necessary to obtain a seat in Brussels will be difficult to reach, but that doesn’t matter for the head of the list Marie Cholley. “Our objective is above all to raise awareness about planetary limits. Above all, talk about sobriety, commitment, conviviality. It will already be a success.”explains Marie Cholley.

Jean-Christophe Fromantin,he various right-wing mayor of Neuilly-sur-Seine, also entered the race alongside Tarn senator Philippe Folliot. For them, the current debates do not speak enough about territories and do not explain enough to voters what is at stake in Europe. “We are going without the major parties, but ultimately we are helpless by the political offer”he explains. “Between sovereignism in all its forms, including very populist ones, and a center right which is not at all decentralizing, which does not respond to this idea of ​​redistributing territories. We said to ourselves we have to go there, we don’t waste our time transmitting ideas”continues Jean-Christophe Fromantin.

European deputies, although elected with traditional parties, are also tempted by more freedom,like Pierre Larouturou. In 2019, his Nouvelle Donne party was associated with the PS and Place Publique, he won a seat in Brussels. But five years later, he decided to return there alone with the Changer l’Europe collective. “We find that today there is no other list that makes concrete proposals to lower rents, reduce precariousness, capable of putting 300 billion on thermal renovation, on public transport, on the climate “explains Pierre Larouturou. “We see lots of people who say: ‘I didn’t think I was going to vote’, especially young people, ‘and what you say really interests me. I’m going to go vote and I’m even going to help you campaign,'” he says. Volunteers also represent an important help, because the means are obviously not the same for small parties.