Rivals blast Macron for fearmongering after French president warns 'civil war' on horizon
FOX NewsJUN 2024
France: Candidates Exit Runoff to Stop National Rally Party
The Spin
Narrative A
Sunday's vote is a historic moment for the French Republic, with significant implications for the country and Europe. The left-wing forces and Macron's centrist bloc withdrawing their third-placed candidates is the best option to prevent the far-right from gaining an absolute majority, which would plunge France into political turmoil. Now is the time to form a broad and democratic "republican front" to protect French liberal values from Marine Le Pen's nationalist RN.
Narrative B
After the French right humiliated Macron in the first round and buried Macronism, the radical left, and Macron's alliance are now resorting to the tactical withdrawal of their most weak candidates. These moves have little to do with democracy, which Macron allegedly tries to protect from the RN. Ironically, Macron's reckless reaction to the European elections and his hubris opened the door to major gains for a surging Le Pen and her allies.