Michel Sala, candidate of the New Popular Front, is running for the 5th constituency of Gard.
How is this brief campaign going?
I take it seriously. Even though it’s not easy, I’m confident. We need to discuss with voters… and convince them. It’s not a sure thing, but I’m confident. We were able to create a positive dynamic.
Do you think you are best able to achieve consensus on the left?
At no time, within the New Popular Front, was there a problem surrounding my candidacy. Outgoing deputies were automatically reappointed. There was no debate. There was a global agreement.
What about the internal tensions with the LFI dissidents who are not invested but who use the NFP logo?
I’m a little confused. All outgoing deputies were to be reappointed. It is clear that this was not the case. For my part, I support all those leaving in the Paris region or elsewhere. But for me the most important thing is the current campaign. It’s about showing what we offer the French.
Do you think you’ll stock up on left-wing votes?
Yes, much more than for the 2022 election. Macronie is in trouble. I notice a momentum around me. In this campaign, there is spontaneity and a new breath. I see it everywhere I go. Today, we are faced with a societal choice between what the RN offers us and what we want to put forward. The left mobilized around a model of society. A choice is presented to us. The environmental and agricultural crises, poverty, public services in my constituency… This is what needs to be addressed. The RN represents a social scam that I can demonstrate. Their program on pensions and VAT are vague. They stick their heads in the sand on environmental and agricultural issues, for example, access to water. If the RN comes to power, it will further accentuate social disparities.
How do you explain the RN score in Gard?
I think this scam may work for some people. Why oppose income of €1,600 per month? Or overhaul the tax bases? We are looking for solutions in neighborhoods but also villages where precariousness is increasing.
Is the left able to respond to these concerns?
Yes. If we are elected in the first fifteen days of our government, we will act immediately on purchasing power and energy prices. Once in charge, we will put the salary in place at €1,600 net, we will review compensation for the unemployed who have seen benefits reduced, as well as pensions. We also have proposals regarding the climate emergency, public services, and freedoms under threat, particularly for dual nationals.
Gard is not spared from anti-Semitic acts. A reaction ?
Whether in Vigan or Quissac, I have always reacted against anti-Semitic acts. We must not allow these acts to flourish. It’s essential. This does not prevent me from demanding, in the context of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, that two states must be created. We can demand an end to the fighting and demand the release of the hostages. We do not find people convicted of anti-Semitism here, but in the RN yes.
