End of the demonstration at Place de la République, some tensions in the streets of Paris

In the applause, there was clearly a heavyweight, within the New Popular Front, on the Place de la République: La France insoumise. A little half an hour late, the executives of several left-wing groups – LFI, the PS, the NPA, EELV and the PCF – spoke to motivate the activists and promise them that no, everything is not lost.

But not all of them received the same welcome from the very young crowd: while the PS leader, Olivier Faure, was booed lightly upon arrival, the speech by the Insoumis Manuel Bompard drew long applause. And then, a little later, Jean-Luc Mélenchon arrived: then, a torrent of applause and shouts came to welcome the left-wing tribune.And there are those who say that it does not bring people together!”annoys a protester, his eyes shining at the sight of the former unsuccessful candidate for the supreme office. Similarly, Olivier Besancenot knew how to mobilize the crowd, his voice resounding across a part of the square plunged into darkness.

One thing is certain: for politicians, this is not a time for celebration. But it is not a time for tears either, Manuel Bompard qualified, calling on everyone to come together and mobilize. Leaving aside, for a moment, the internal tensions within the New Popular Front, in the face of the delicate fight that is looming to block the RN.

By Wladimir Garcin-Berson