Gabriel Attal, a French politician, believes that the upcoming European elections are the most important since their establishment. He expressed concern over the lack of engagement from the French population in the campaign, particularly the struggles of Valérie Hayer, the candidate from the presidential camp, who is trailing far behind Jordan Bardella of the National Rally in the polls. Attal criticized the opposition parties for not focusing on European issues and instead treating the election as a national matter. He accused both the left and the right, as well as the far-right, of turning the election into a national competition rather than addressing European concerns.
Attal highlighted the lack of a meaningful debate on European issues so far, attributing this to the reluctance of opposition parties to engage in discussions about Europe. He specifically called out the left-wing parties such as the coalition of the Nupes, the Socialist Party, La France Insoumise, and the Greens, who view the election as a primary for the 2027 national elections. On the other side, he criticized right-wing and far-right parties like The Republicans, the National Rally, and Reconquest! for focusing more on power struggles within their own political sphere rather than addressing European matters.
In response to the positions of far-right parties like the National Rally and Reconquest!, who advocate for leaving the European Union, Attal emphasized the importance of remaining within the EU for the benefit of France. He argued that despite criticisms of the EU, efforts have been made to improve the functioning of the Union. Attal warned against the possibility of a “Brexit in pieces” if France were to follow the path proposed by these far-right parties. He urged voters to consider the consequences of leaving the EU and the potential impact on the country.
Attal’s remarks reflect a broader concern about the direction of the European elections and the lack of focus on European issues. He emphasized the need for a more substantive debate on EU matters and criticized opposition parties for not prioritizing discussions on Europe. By highlighting the contrasting approaches of different political factions, Attal sought to draw attention to the importance of the upcoming elections and the implications for France’s relationship with the European Union. His comments underscore the complex dynamics at play in the French political landscape and the challenges facing the European project.
Overall, Attal’s comments shed light on the current state of the European elections in France and the differing perspectives of various political parties. He highlighted the need for a more meaningful discussion on European issues and criticized the opposition parties for focusing more on internal power struggles. By emphasizing the importance of France’s relationship with the EU and warning against the potential consequences of leaving the Union, Attal sought to frame the upcoming elections as a critical moment for the country’s future. His remarks reflect deeper concerns about the broader implications of the European elections and the need for a more substantive debate on the future of Europe.
