In Brussels, the legislative elections are closely followed within the European institutions

The legislative elections in France, a founding country of the EU, were closely scrutinised by MEPs and within the various institutions.

The early legislative elections, which are reshuffling the political cards in France, have been closely followed from the European institutions in Brussels. In recent years, under the leadership of its president, France has been a driving force of the European Union. For pro-Europeans, French instability and the rise of the extreme right and La France Insoumise are therefore a cause for concern.

At the Vox box bar, near the press areas at the European Parliament, there is little activity on this Monday morning, July 8. But when you listen carefully, the French election is in many discussions. Daniel Freund, a German Green MEP, says he is very relieved: “It is good for France, and for Europe, that the extreme right does not take power in a founding country and second economic power of the European Union. We have seen it in the polls : it could have happened, and it would have blocked France but also Europe. But the number of seats won by the RN remains worrying, now the democrats will have to work together to lead France.”

But with what program? This is the question that agitates and divides the elected representatives. Andreas Schwab, a German conservative, is also relieved and rather confident. “The first result of these elections is that the French president is even strongerhe believes. Because he is the one who still has the mandate and it is up to him to decide, to settle things. If the moderate forces find a compromise and cooperate, this could also be a very strong moment for France.”

On condition, says one of his colleagues from the right, the Dutchman Dirk Gotting, that no other extreme takes power. “On Sunday, I heard Jean-Luc Mélenchon display total programmatic extremismhe laments. He does not want to compromise on anything, but soon the Council will confirm that France is in an excessive deficit procedure. This means that France has a legal obligation to produce a budget that will reduce the deficit. What I heard on Sunday from several political forces does not make me very optimistic.”

But if its political class rolls up its sleeves, France will regain its rightful place. This is what Sophie Int Velt believes, more optimistically. This liberal Dutchwoman has just spent 20 years, or four terms, in the European Parliament. “I believe that for France, it is the right time to learn to compromiseshe analyzes. Stop panicking, demonizing, dramatizing and get to work!” In the European Parliament, she says, the secret is the willingness to find compromises on every issue, despite political opposition. And if it works in Brussels, why not in France, asks the Dutchwoman.