French citizens living abroad are represented in the National Assembly through the election of 11 deputies, each representing different world regions. Approximately 2.5 million French citizens live abroad, constituting about 3.6% of the total population. Among them, 1.7 million are registered to vote as expatriates. In the first round of the legislative elections, voter turnout among expatriates was 36.6%, a significant increase from previous years. Being an expatriate involves exercising one’s citizenship differently, navigating challenges in accessing public services, and being part of much larger constituencies compared to those in France.
Campaigning for the expatriate vote involves unique challenges. Candidates like Franck Pajot, Roland Lescure, and Frédéric Petit have been actively engaging with voters across different regions. For Pajot, campaigning in the vast 11th constituency has been particularly challenging due to the distance between regions and logistical issues. Lescure, on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of a strong social media presence and engaging with voters through various platforms. Petit, based in Poland, relies on virtual interactions and networking with local communities to stay connected with constituents.
Expatriate voters have specific concerns, such as access to consular services, voting accessibility, education, and region-specific issues like access to abortion and pensions. All candidates acknowledge the importance of understanding and addressing these issues to effectively represent their expatriate constituencies. The need for closer ties to local communities and a deep understanding of local realities is crucial for candidates like Charlotte Minvielle, who have been based abroad for years and can relate to the challenges faced by expatriates.
The absence of National Rally candidates in the second round of the legislative elections for expatriate constituencies reflects a broader trend. Candidates like Asma Rharmaoui-Claquin and Charlotte Minvielle note the concerns among expatriates regarding illiberalism and far-right ideologies, particularly in regions like Central Europe. Issues related to migration play a significant role in shaping expatriate voters’ preferences, with a growing awareness of the challenges faced by foreigners living in other countries. Despite historically low support for far-right parties among expatriates, there has been a slight increase in some regions, highlighting the complex political landscape of the expatriate electorate.
