PARIS – A new survey indicates French citizens have shifted their political concerns, with more voters now willing to block far-left parties from gaining power compared to far-right groups, marking a significant change in the country’s political landscape.
The Elabe polling firm found that approximately two-thirds of respondents would cast ballots against the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) party in a runoff election, while only 45% said they would vote to prevent the far-right National Rally (RN) from taking office.
This change in public sentiment follows the recent death of 23-year-old far-right activist Quentin Deranque, who was allegedly killed by far-left extremists. The incident has deeply disturbed French society and turned public opinion against the LFI party. Seven individuals, including a staff member working for an LFI legislator, face formal charges in connection with Deranque’s death.
All accused individuals have rejected the charges against them, according to prosecutors.
The National Rally, historically associated with racist and antisemitic positions, has attempted to leverage concerns about far-left violence to build broader acceptance among mainstream voters. The party now holds the most seats in France’s parliament and is considered a strong contender for the 2027 presidential race.
Traditionally, the RN faced a strategy where opposing parties would unite in second-round elections to prevent their victory. Following the recent killing, RN officials have demanded that other parties establish a “sanitary cordon” against the LFI. The polling data suggests voters are responding to this appeal.
Former center-left President Francois Hollande has called for his Socialist Party to distance itself from LFI.
