For experts, the possible arrival of the left in power is not without posing problems in relations between France and Germany.
The legislative elections in France have given rise to many twists and turns.
Defying the predictions of most pollsters, the left-wing coalition managed to prevent the extreme right from taking power and to obtain a greater number of seats than the other blocs in Parliament.
But how will this situation, which is still far from being resolved due to the fragmentation of the Assembly, affect France’s relations with Germany?
Jacob Rossa researcher at the German Council on Foreign Relations, says the reactions are mixed.
“Germany is, I think, very concerned about parts of the left coalition.he explains to us, if it takes over the reins of government. In particular, France Insoumise, a French left-wing party, with a personality like Jean-Luc Mélenchon, who has expressed very anti-German sentiments in the past.
However, Germany is also very relieved that the National Rally has been avoided. And now there is a lot of uncertainty because it is not known who will lead the government in the future, who will become prime minister.
Even the parties of the left coalition do not know this yet. The question of whether this left coalition will assume responsibility for the government arises at a time when great stability is needed and such uncertainty cannot be afforded..” says Jacob Ross.
Economy at the centre of German concerns
Germany is particularly concerned about the economic and financial policies of this left-wing alliance.
France is already heavily indebted and the New Popular Front made costly electoral promises, minimum wage at 1600 euros net (+200 euros), revaluation of civil servants’ salaries, unemployment insurance reform repealed, pension reform modified etc., which risk causing friction within the European Union.
We will therefore have to wait, because President Emmanuel Macron has decided to temporarily reappoint his Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, to give the parliamentary blocs time to consult with a view to forming a possible coalition government, an exercise to which the Germans are accustomed, but which is a first for the French.
