France Election: Most French Would Block LFI, Fewer Would Block RN – Poll
French voters are increasingly inclined to block the far-left La France Insoumise (LFI) from power, according to a recent poll, even as concerns linger about the rise of the far-right National Rally (RN). The shift in voter sentiment comes amid heightened political tensions following a recent incident in Lyon and subsequent calls for a broader “cordon sanitaire” against both extremist parties.
The BFM TV poll, released on , reveals that 63% of French citizens would strategically vote against LFI in a second-round election, compared to 45% who would do the same against the RN. This disparity highlights a growing apprehension towards the hard-left, particularly in the wake of the death of a far-right activist in Lyon and the subsequent investigation involving members of an anti-fascist organization co-founded by an LFI lawmaker.
The incident has prompted a wave of condemnation and calls for political distancing from LFI. Jordan Bardella, president of the RN, has advocated for expanding the traditional “cordon sanitaire” – historically aimed at containing the far-right – to now “isolate La France Insoumise.” Aurore Bergé, a minister within the centrist government, went further, urging the RN to withdraw candidates in constituencies where LFI has a chance of winning, and publicly labeled the party “anti-France.”
This sentiment is echoed within the government, with spokesperson Maud Bregeon reaffirming a firm stance of opposition to both RN and LFI: “neither RN, nor LFI.” The political maneuvering underscores a growing effort to prevent either extremist party from gaining significant power in upcoming elections.
Political Divisions Deepen
The poll reveals stark divisions along political lines. Within President Macron’s centrist camp, 81% of supporters expressed willingness to block LFI, while 66% would oppose the RN. On the right, the opposition to LFI is even more pronounced, with 90% of respondents prepared to vote against the party, compared to just 31% against the RN.
Laurent Wauquiez, leader of the Les Républicains deputies, has previously characterized LFI as a “threat to France,” and Bruno Retailleau, the party’s president, has also called for a “cordon sanitaire” against the group. These strong stances reflect a broader concern within conservative circles about the ideological direction of LFI.
Political analyst Philippe Marlière suggests that the right and far-right are capitalizing on the situation to equate LFI with “ultra-left terrorism,” contributing to a “banalization of the RN.” This framing, he argues, risks normalizing the far-right’s platform while simultaneously demonizing its political opponents.
Conversely, support for blocking LFI is significantly lower on the left, with only 30% of respondents indicating they would vote against the party. However, a substantial 82% would mobilize against the RN, demonstrating a clear preference for opposing the far-right.
Internal Conflicts Within the Left
The issue has also created fissures within the left-wing coalition, the New Popular Front (NFP). Former President François Hollande, now a Socialist deputy, stated on that the relationship with LFI was “broken,” arguing that the party had failed to uphold its commitments and should not be considered for future alliances. He also suggested that Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the leader of LFI, should not be a candidate in the next presidential election.
The poll indicates that 70% of French citizens agree with Hollande’s position. However, within the NFP, opinions are divided. Socialist supporters overwhelmingly endorse severing ties with LFI (88%), while the broader coalition electorate is more split, with 52% favoring an alliance including LFI and 33% preferring one without.
Adding to the complexity, Grégory Doucet, the ecologist mayor of Lyon, has signaled a willingness to collaborate with LFI’s Anaïs Belouassa Cherifi in the second round of municipal elections, albeit with conditions. He emphasized that any alliance would require a commitment to maintaining the integrity of the municipal police force and excluding individuals involved in violence.
Municipal Elections and Shifting Voter Priorities
Regarding a potential second round of municipal elections featuring multiple left-wing candidates, the poll reveals a lack of consensus. 21% of French voters would prefer an agreement excluding LFI, 15% would support an alliance including the movement, 36% reject any agreement altogether, and 28% remain undecided.
Within the NFP electorate, a majority (52%) favor an alliance incorporating LFI, while 33% prefer an agreement without it and 7% oppose any rapprochement. Conversely, 72% of Socialist supporters prioritize an agreement excluding LFI.
The Deranque Affair and its Impact on LFI’s Image
The events surrounding the death of Quentin Deranque, a member of the far-right Némésis collective, appear to have negatively impacted LFI’s public image. 44% of French citizens believe the incident has deteriorated their perception of the party. However, a larger proportion (52%) report no change in their views, while a small minority (3%) believe LFI’s image has improved.
The negative impact is particularly noticeable among supporters of the Ensemble party and the RN. It has also affected a segment of the left, with nearly one in four NFP voters and four in ten Socialist sympathizers reporting a diminished view of LFI.