A grassroots movement has sprung up on the French left that is looking to avoid another showdown between French President Emmanuel Macron and far-right leader Marine Le Pen, seen by many as the inevitable rematch in France’s 2022 presidential election.
The group received the support of 178 left-wing and green MPs on July 30.
“We want to go beyond the parties to find a candidate that can bring together all the key elements of the major demonstrations during Macron’s five-year term,” explains Grzybowski, speaking with FRANCE 24.
“We are at a turning point and the next decade will be decisive for ecology and solidarity.
An absolute majority of all votes cast – i.e., more than 50 percent – is required for a candidate to win the election outright.
Citizens have also been invited to propose their own candidates.
This has created a sprawling list of names and some confusion, since most proposed candidates have not been consulted as to whether or not they would be interested in running.
If they want to be part of history, they will have to put aside their specific party interests and think of the greater good.
The organisers of the primary are also counting on popular pressure.
“From the start we said that we wanted to contribute to the framework debates, but that in no way would we participate in a popular primary,” says La France Insoumise deputy Eric Coquerel, contacted by FRANCE 24.