Senatorial elections in France always have major importance in the political landscape. This year is no exception, with half of the Senate being renewed for a six-year term. These elections take place by indirect suffrage, with around 79,000 “electors” called to vote.
The stakes in these elections are high, because the French Senate is currently dominated by the right and the center, who have a comfortable majority. However, the political landscape could be slightly shaken up following this election.
The results of these senatorial elections will be known at the end of the day, but it is unlikely to see big changes. The political forces present should retain most of their seats, with predominant stability. The right, led by Gérard Larcher, should maintain its dominant position, while the Socialist Party seeks to maintain its place as the second group in the Senate.
An alliance between the Socialist Party, communists and environmentalists was formed in certain departments, in the hope of reaching the 100 left-wing senators. However, France Insoumise was excluded from this alliance due to its lack of local presence, which could work to its disadvantage in the elections.
Other parties, such as Édouard Philippe’s Horizons and the National Rally, also hope to do well in these senatorial elections. Horizons, on the strength of its municipal victories in certain cities, hopes to win seats in the Senate and consolidate its political position. As for the National Rally, which is absent from the Senate at the moment, it hopes to create a surprise in certain regions.
These senatorial elections are therefore an important event for French political life. They will make it possible to determine the balance of forces within the Senate and will have repercussions on future parliamentary debates, particularly on sensitive subjects such as immigration and the budget.
Whatever the final results, one thing is certain: political stability is already a victory in these turbulent times. Voters will therefore have the last word and decide the political future of France. See you at the end of the day to find out the final results of these senatorial elections.