France’s left-wing parties have united under the New Popular Front (NFP) alliance for the upcoming snap legislative elections, despite struggling to find common ground ahead of the European elections. The coalition, made up of France Unbowed (LFI), the Communist party, the Socialist party, and the Greens, is currently polling second with less than a week to go before the first round opens. According to an Ipsos poll, the NFP is forecast to secure 29.5% of the vote, trailing behind the far-right National Rally (RN) but ahead of President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist party Renaissance. This alliance, which issued a program of 150 measures, has shown unity on key issues such as climate refugees, Ukraine, and climate policy.
The NFP’s proposals include setting up a rescue agency for undocumented migrants, facilitating visa applications, and advocating for the re-opening of the European Migration Pact before its implementation in 2026. The coalition also aims to create a status for “climate refugees” and guarantee access to state medical aid and citizenship rights for children born in France. On the international stage, the NFP emphasizes its support for Ukraine and peace in Europe through measures like sending necessary weapons, canceling Ukraine’s foreign debt, seizing assets of oligarchs involved in the conflict, and deploying peacekeepers to secure nuclear power plants.
To address the cost of living crisis, the left-wing programme calls for price caps on basic necessities, indexing wages and pensions to inflation, and raising the minimum wage. It also rejects austerity measures and aims to re-establish a wealth tax with a climate component, reform inheritance tax, and abolish inefficient tax niches. The programme seeks to finance these measures by targeting the highest assets and introducing a maximum inheritance. Additionally, the NFP advocates for France to become a leader in renewable energies by implementing environmental initiatives such as a climate plan for carbon neutrality by 2050 and promoting renewable energy sources like offshore wind power and hydroelectric power.
Another important aspect of the NFP’s programme is its focus on environmental measures, including a moratorium on mega-basins for water storage and a climate plan for carbon neutrality by 2050. The coalition also aims to achieve complete insulation of housing, increase support for households, and make France a leader in renewable energies, particularly in offshore wind power and hydroelectric power. By prioritizing these environmental initiatives, the NFP hopes to contribute to reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change in Europe.
Despite initial struggles in finding common ground, the left-wing parties in France have come together under the banner of the New Popular Front alliance for the snap legislative elections. The coalition’s proposals encompass a wide range of issues, including addressing the cost of living crisis, supporting Ukraine, advocating for climate refugees, and promoting renewable energies. By presenting a united front and a comprehensive programme, the NFP aims to secure votes in the upcoming elections and enact positive change in France.
