For Agnès Pannier-Runacher, France is not on the right
In an interview with the magazine The Express, the resigning Minister for Agriculture, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, proposes the establishment of a “coalition contract” to include the different components of the New Popular Front (NFP) – to the exclusion of La France Insoumise ( LFI) – as well as the Republican Right. Representative of the left wing of Macronie, Pannier-Runacher insists on the need to bring together the votes of the NFP to obtain an absolute majority, and calls for a dialogue between Lucie Castets, candidate of the left coalition for Matignon, and the former presidential majority. She deplores a situation where each group seems locked in its mutual certainties and oppositions.
Results of the legislative elections
According to Pannier-Runacher, the results of the legislative elections show that the presidential camp lost, but no party won an absolute majority. This climate, marked by the rise of extremes and geopolitical tensions, is not unique to France and resembles situations observed in other European countries. For her, the key lies in negotiating coalitions, as other European nations do in the face of similar crises.
The 2027 presidential election and coalition prospects
Pannier-Runacher believes that a coalition contract is not a definitive alliance for 2027, but a necessity to respond to citizens' immediate concerns. She emphasizes that certain issues, such as public services, education and health, transcend traditional political divisions. She criticizes the political class for its denial of citizens' concerns and the inability to find common ground on fundamental issues such as authority, security and climate change.
Meeting between Emmanuel Macron and Lucie Castets
Pannier-Runacher considers that a meeting between Emmanuel Macron and Lucie Castets would only make sense if Castets proposes a concrete project with a team ready to negotiate. She notes that the real challenge lies in the ability of the parliamentary groups to agree, rather than in a simple confrontation with the President of the Republic.
Relations between the ex-majority and the NFP
She asserts that the NFP cannot act as if it had an absolute majority and that the locking into rigid postures by all groups prevents any constructive progress. The differences between the NFP's proposals and those of the central bloc, particularly on pension reform, illustrate this impasse.
A look at the “emergency legislative pact” and the right
Pannier-Runacher shows herself open to negotiation with the right, while criticizing certain elements of the “emergency legislative pact” of the Republican Right, which she considers non-compliant with the Constitution. She regrets the tendency towards political caricature, both on the right and on the left, and calls for a more pragmatic and less rigid approach.
Is France on the right?
Pannier-Runacher disputes the idea that France is predominantly right-wing. She evokes a “parallel truth” which distorts public debate. According to her, although the French express a strong expectation of authority, they also display a desire to protect public services and the environment, which reflects more left-wing concerns.
Rumor about Xavier Bertrand as Prime Minister
She recognizes the competence of Xavier Bertrand, but insists on the fact that any appointment must be based on concrete negotiations on the program and political partners. The absolute majority will not be achieved simply by an alliance with the Republican Right or other groups; it is essential to work on elements acceptable to all parties involved.
The Olympic Games as inspiration
Finally, Pannier-Runacher sees the Paris Olympic Games as a symbol of France's capacity to carry out ambitious and successful projects, despite criticism. She hopes that this success will inspire the political class to move beyond caricatured postures and to collaborate more for the common good.
