USSEL: Former French President Francois Hollande, who is making a political comeback in the country’s legislative elections later this month, said that President Emmanuel Macron’s political ascendency is ‘over’.
“I have no scores to settle at all. That’s all in the past,” Hollande said on the campaign trail in his native Correze department in central France, where he is standing to be an MP and where he was once mayor.
During his campaign in Correze, Hollande emphasized his lack of personal vendettas and stated that his past is behind him. Hollande, who did not seek re-election in 2017 due to low popularity, acknowledged Macron’s surprise victory as a centrist candidate, which disrupted traditional political factions in France.
Hollande remarked that Macron’s leadership, known as “Macronism,” is fading, although he clarified that he doesn’t harbor animosity towards Macron. Despite Macron’s re-election in 2022, his party lost its parliamentary majority, leading to a series of contentious reforms and a minority government.
Facing challenges, Macron dissolved parliament after the European Parliament election, hoping for a new majority. However, the far-right National Rally (RN), led by Marine Le Pen, is expected to secure significant gains in the upcoming elections, potentially altering the political landscape.
Hollande highlighted the political cost of Macron’s rule, noting the rise of the far right and the damage to traditional parties.
He supported an electoral alliance with left-leaning parties, emphasizing the need for a political realignment to counter the far-right surge.
Regarding potential alliances, Hollande addressed concerns about aligning with Jean-Luc Melenchon’s France Unbowed (LFI), emphasizing that while cooperation is necessary, there is no ideological confusion. If elected as an MP, Hollande pledged to advocate for responsibility and seek solutions to pressing issues.
