Two days after the first round of these unprecedented legislative elections, the candidate of the New Popular Front, Isabelle Pagani came in second place and the outgoing deputy, Emmanuelle Anthoine came in third. Both camps called for the other to withdraw, but a few hours before the deadline for submitting candidacies, no movement.
“Because this second place for Isabelle Pagani who carries the colours of the New Popular Front is:
- the fruit of a broad gathering at the local and national level of all the left-wing forces, responsible and capable of listening and compromise, when the Republicans exploded in mid-flight at the national level, in a grotesque farce,
- the result of an unprecedented mobilization, in the cities and countryside of this North Drôme damaged by dramatic events, the death of young Thomas, young Zakaria, but also by the same issues as everywhere in France: purchasing power at half mast, insufficient income of farmers, breakdown of public services, concerns about global warming. When at the same time, Emmanuelle Anthoine abandons the whole south of the constituency.
- the consequence, in particular, of targeted awareness-raising and educational actions for people who do not vote, and in particular in working-class neighborhoods. When equipping and legitimizing all citizens works better than instrumentalizing current events and appealing to the base instincts of our humanity.
For all these reasons and because the left-wing and environmentalist people have been able, responsibly and aware of the issues, to block the National Rally many times, without illusions but with force, it is incomprehensible that Emmanuelle Anthoine, who boasts of her seriousness and determination to defend all the people in her constituency, does not clearly call for blocking a candidate who not only carries deleterious and divisive ideas, but also has a background of betrayals and dubious practices.”
The Collective has also launched a petition that has garnered over 1,000 signatures. Candidates have until 6pm tonight to put themselves forward as candidates for the second round, which will take place this Sunday.
