In France, European Parliament member Raphaël Glucksmann has won the center-left presidential primary in the first round, securing the support of the Socialist Party and its allies for the 2027 elections.
Glucksmann, the leader of the small center-left party Place Publique, surpassed his rivals, including Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure. According to the announced results, Glucksmann received more than 66 percent of the vote, preventing the race from going to a second round.
More than 120 thousand people went to the polls during the voting held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. While approximately 140 thousand people registered for the primary, 80 thousand of them paid 15 euros to participate despite not being members of the parties that put forward candidates.
This result sends a strong message: a left that is faithful to its values can unite, can govern, and can win. We are here to win the presidential elections: to put an end to Macronism, to stop the far-right, and to change our lives.
Former minister Ségolène Royal and members of parliament Jérôme Guedj and Emmanuel Maurel also competed in the primary. Glucksmann's victory paves the way for him to expand his candidacy to a broader political base and grants him access to the organizational resources of the Socialist Party.
COMPETITION WITH MÉLENCHON COMES TO THE FORE
One of the most significant political challenges facing Glucksmann, who is known for his support for Ukraine and his criticisms of China, will be the competition within the left. Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the leader of La France Insoumise (LFI), appears ahead of Glucksmann in the polls.
According to the latest Ifop poll, Mélenchon's support is measured in the range of 14 to 17 percent, while Glucksmann's support is at the 11 percent level. In recent weeks, Glucksmann had campaigned against forming an alliance with Mélenchon.
The organizers of the primary announced that the online voting platform was subjected to a cyberattack shortly after it opened. However, it was stated that the platform was not interrupted and the integrity of the recorded votes was not compromised.
News Source: 12punto
