In Spain many are anxiously awaiting the outcome of the next French elections. Sumar, Pedro Sánchez’s governing partner, sees the Popular Front as an inspiration for Spain’s progressive policies, while Vox hopes a Le Pen victory will serve as a loudspeaker for his ideas
In a turbulent political scenario, Spain is carefully following the 2024 French legislative electionslooking for parallels with their own political situation. The call for early elections of Emmanuel Macronfollowing the defeat of his party in the European elections, has generated a wave of interest in Spanish politics.
The Sumar party, minority partner of Pedro Sánchez’s government, sees the French New Popular Front as an inspiration derived from the progressive policies of the Spanish government.
Elizabeth Duval, Sumar’s communications secretary, highlights the importance of this union. “It looks really amazing and unexpected thing about these French elections was this union of the leftthis movement to form the new Popular Front. This opportunity to not choose between bad and worse, to not choose between Macron and Le Pen, is what really gives hope,” said the party spokeswoman.
Concern for the French far right of Rassemblement National
The fear of a far-right government in Europe is palpable, with concerns about its impact on European stability. Borja Bergareche, Communications and Leadership partner at Harmon, criticizes Macron’s decision.
“If the intention was to awaken French society from the growing trend of support for the former National Front and other far-right parties, it seems clear that the decision was a mistake, because all the polls show Marine Le Pen’s party and other far-right forces as the clear winner“, he said.
The prospect of Marine Le Pen’s party gaining significant power has alarmed many, concerned about the future of European unity and democratic values.
“What happens in France directly affects the future of the European project and how much we will allow the climate of pernicious polarization that extremist forces like Marine Le Pen are fomenting in Europe to take hold,” explained Borja Bergareche.
Marine Le Pen’s party in tune with Vox
On the other hand, Vox, the Spanish far-right party, emphasizes its alignment with Marine Le Pen.
“Your party, Vox, and your president, dear Santiago Abascal, with whom we have been in contact for some time, embody the Spanish patriotic movement which I know I can count on,” Le Pen announced during an event organized by Vox before the European elections which brought together the main parties of their political spectrum in Madrid.
Vox attributes to this close collaboration the words spoken in an interview by Marine Le Pen, who assured that if she governs will prevent former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont from setting foot on French soil. Abascal’s party is confident that Agrupación Nacional’s victory will become a showcase to promote ideas shared by the European far right…
Impact in Spain
Borja Bergareche also underlines the possible complexity of the political landscape. “The most likely scenario is that of a disturbing cohabitation between a centrist president like Macron and a prime minister of the National Front. This poses gmajor challenges to European politics and democratic stability,” he warned.
The legislative elections in France have a direct impact on Spain. The results of the French elections could influence the Spanish political landscape, shaping future strategies and alliances.
All eyes are on July 7th. The results of the 2024 elections could redefine European politics for years to come. Reactions in Spain have been mixed. While parties like Sumar see an opportunity in uniting the left, Vox highlights its alignment with Le Pen.
“The French lesson, which applies to any other country, is that it is increasingly difficult for moderate parties, responsible in institutions, to project to their fellow citizens the small achievements of the small and precious imperfect liberal democracies that we have, which frustrate us all, but which they clearly are the only system that saves the societies we have”Bergareche concluded.
