Philippe Poutou, former presidential candidate for the New Anti-Capitalist Party (NPA) in France, will run for the European elections in Belgium as the third candidate on the list supported by the Anti-Capitalist Left, one of the two factions of the French NPA announced on April 13th. The organization stated that Poutou supports a political outlet for social and ecological struggles from an internationalist perspective. The NPA split in late 2022 into two distinct groups: NPA-B, represented by former presidential candidates Philippe Poutou and Olivier Besancenot, advocating for closer ties with La France Insoumise (LFI), and NPA-C, which rejects alliances with what they consider to be “reformist” parties.
The NPA-B decided not to field a candidate in France for the upcoming European elections, failing to reach an agreement with LFI. They will decide on their specific voting recommendations by the end of April. Philippe Poutou, a councilor in Bordeaux and a former car worker who was laid off in 2019, pledged to fight for an anti-capitalist Europe that opposes liberal capitalism, and for an ecological, feminist, anti-racist, anti-colonial, and anti-imperialist Europe that defends open borders, freedom of movement, and the reception of all. During his presidential campaign in 2022, Poutou received 0.7% of the vote in the first round, a lower result than in the previous elections in 2017 (1.2%) and 2012 (1.2%).
Known for his sharp criticisms of his opponents and the government, Philippe Poutou made headlines during the 2017 campaign with his outspoken remarks. He famously questioned journalist Léa Salamé about the arrival of far-right candidate Eric Zemmour on a TV show, and also stirred controversy by stating that the police kill, leading to a complaint from the Interior Minister and a police interrogation. Despite these incidents, Poutou continues to champion progressive and radical causes, pushing for a Europe that stands against capitalist and imperialist policies, and works towards a more inclusive and equitable society. His candidacy in Belgium reflects his commitment to international solidarity and activism.
With his background as a working-class activist and union member in the automotive industry, Philippe Poutou brings a unique perspective to the political arena, advocating for the rights and interests of ordinary people. His platform for the European elections focuses on building a more just, sustainable, and democratic Europe that prioritizes social welfare, environmental protection, gender equality, and racial justice. By joining forces with the Anti-Capitalist Left in Belgium, Poutou aims to foster cross-border collaboration among progressive movements and amplify the voices of marginalized communities.
As an emblematic figure of the anti-capitalist movement in France, Philippe Poutou symbolizes the grassroots resistance against neoliberal policies and corporate influence in politics. His decision to run for the European elections in Belgium underscores the importance of international solidarity and collective action in the face of global challenges such as climate change, economic inequality, and political extremism. By engaging with issues at both the national and European levels, Poutou seeks to inspire a new generation of activists and political leaders dedicated to transformative change and social justice.
