Left Front (France)
| Left Front Front de gauche |
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|---|---|
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| Founded | November 18, 2008 |
| Ideology | Communism, Democratic socialism, Eurocommunism, Anticapitalism |
| European affiliation | European Left |
| European Parliament Group | European United Left–Nordic Green Left |
| Official colours | Red |
| Members | French Communist Party, Left Party, Convention for a Progressive Alternative and Unitarian Left |
| Website | |
| frontdegauche.eu | |
| Politics of France Political parties Elections Constitution of France Parliament; Government; President |
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The Left Front (French: Front de gauche) is a French electoral coalition for the 2009 European elections composed primarily of the French Communist Party, the Left Party and the Unitarian Left. The alliance was extended for the 2010 regional elections.
The Workers' Communist Party of France and other smaller political movements joined the party ahead of the 2010 regional elections.
Contents |
[edit] 2009 European elections
[edit] Program
For the European elections, the Left Front (formerly The Left Front to change of Europe, French: Front de Gauche pour changer d'Europe)[1] proposed:
- to forbid lay-offs for the companies which make profits
- to protect and improve public services
- to fight for new rights for workers and the unemployed
- to protect the planet
- to abandon the Treaty of Lisbon
[edit] Top Candidates
- East: Hélène Franco (PG)
- Île-de-France: Patrick Le Hyaric (PCF)
- Massif Central: Marie-France Beaufils (PCF)
- North-West: Jacky Henin (PCF)
- Overseas: None[2]
- South-East: Marie-Christine Vergiat
- South-West: Jean-Luc Mélenchon (PG)
- West: Jacques Généreux (PG)
[edit] Results
The Left Front and the Alliance of the Overseas won a combined 6.47% of the vote, improving by 0.59% on the PCF's 2004 result. In all, they elected 5 MEPs:
- East: 3.89% (no MEPs)
- Île-de-France: 6.32% (Patrick Le Hyaric)
- Massif Central: 8.07% (no MEPs)
- North-West: 6.84% (Jacky Henin)
- Overseas: 21.01% (Élie Hoarau, Alliance of the Overseas)
- South-East: 5.90% (Marie-Christine Vergiat)
- South-West: 8.15% (Jean-Luc Mélenchon)
- West: 4.58% (no MEPs)
[edit] 2010 Regional elections
The French Communist Party (PCF) finally opted to continue the Left Front with the Left Party (PG), first tested in the 2009 European elections. These lists would be independent in the first round, but would support (or merge) with a Socialist-led list in the runoff on the condition that the centrist MoDem doesn't do likewise. Yet, the final decision on the matter was transferred to the regional party members. In 17 of 22 regions, members approved the decision of an expanded Left Front; but in five regions, PCF members opted for a first-round alliance with the PS. These regions are Burgundy, Champagne-Ardennes, Lorraine, Lower Normandy and Brittany. In these regions, however, dissident Communists have joined with Olivier Besancenot's New Anticapitalist Party (NPA) and the PG to create independent lists by the first round.[3]
In three regions - Languedoc-Roussillon, Limousin and Pays-de-la-Loire, the Left Front's lists are supported by the NPA.
[edit] References
- ^ The project of the Left Front for the 2009 european elections (French)
- ^ The Left Front supports the Alliance of the Overseas list led by Élie Hoarau
- ^ AFP: Régionales : le PCF reconduit le Front de gauche dans au moins 17 régions Nov. 23 2009
[edit] External links
- (French) Official site
