Political news in France was recently marked by the announcement of the Socialist Party to suspend its participation in the New Ecological and Social Popular Union (Nupes). This decision follows disagreements between the socialists and La France insoumise, in particular on the position to adopt towards Hamas and the attack against Israel.
The Socialist Party’s vote for a “moratorium” on its participation in Nupes was seen as an act of political divorce. This left-wing coalition, born during the June 2022 legislative elections, has experienced increasing tensions since the absence of clear condemnation from La France insoumise of Hamas’s attacks against Israel.
The Socialist Party’s decision was strongly criticized by Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the leader of La France insoumise, who accuses the Socialists of breaking their political alliance. In a tweet, he declared that the secretary of the PS, Olivier Faure, “broke up the Nupes” due to disagreements “for personal matters concerning (his) subject regarding Israel (and) Palestine”.
Within the Socialist Party, Olivier Faure’s speech underlined the need for a “radical change” in the way of conceiving the union. He declared that Jean-Luc Mélenchon had become an “obstacle” to unity and that the Socialist Party was there to “govern and transform”.
This decision highlights the difficulties of the left-wing coalition formed by Nupes. Since its creation, it has faced many problems, notably during pension reform, the war in Ukraine and urban riots. The Communist Party also disagreed with Nupes and voted for a resolution calling for a “new type of union.”
In the hope of overcoming these differences, some members of Nupes are proposing the holding of a “general assembly” bringing together the coalition’s deputies. However, for others, it is necessary to suspend the relationship with La France insoumise until there is clarification on common values.
This decision by the Socialist Party marks a new stage in French politics and raises questions about the future of the left-wing coalition. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether these differences can be overcome or whether Nupes will face deeper divisions.
In conclusion, the suspension of the Socialist Party’s participation in Nupes reflects the growing tensions within the left-wing coalition. The move raises questions about the future of the political alliance and poses the challenge of finding a balance between the different parties. Time will tell if this suspension is temporary or if it marks the definitive end of Nupes as it currently exists.