France: Glucksmann elected as presidential candidate
In France, MEP Raphaël Glucksmann has won the social democrats' primary to become the centre-left's presidential candidate. In a joint primary organised by his party, Place Publique, and the Socialist Party (PS), he secured around 66 percent of the vote, finishing well ahead of PS leader Olivier Faure and former minister Ségolène Royal. What does his victory mean for the left?
Still many stones in his path
This candidate will not have it easy, observes La Repubblica:
“Glucksmann's plan is to remain independent of both La France Insoumise and the political legacy of Emmanuel Macron. However, this approach carries the risk of alienating other sections of the left, and these divisions could be problematic when it comes to organising the new presidential candidate's election campaign. Although Glucksmann has secured the nomination, he does not control the Socialist Party's apparatus with its network of federations, activists, local councillors and financial resources. And to hold his own in the national election campaign, he will have to mobilise that apparatus – which is led by [PS leader Olivier] Faure, whom he has just defeated.”
Time to focus on image
La Stampa speculates on Glucksmann's strategy:
“Above all, there will be no compromises with the radical left led by Mélenchon, which, like the Greens, did not take part in the primaries. The Insoumis leader, who made jokes last March about Glucksmann's Jewish surname, has repeatedly come under fire in recent days from the social democratic candidate, who has accused him of antisemitism. In addition to working on his manifesto, the MEP will also have to work hard on his image. ... Described by his critics as a 'leftist Macron' because of his liberal-leaning proposals, Glucksmann will try to shake off the image of a Parisian intellectual who is out of touch with the real problems that ordinary people face.”
Chance for a fresh start
The French left is at a crossroads, Le Temps concludes:
“Neither Jean-Luc Mélenchon nor Raphaël Glucksmann have made a secret of the fact that they have no desire to work together. ... This has at least one advantage: that of a clear choice. ... Behind these two leading figures in the race for the Élysée Palace lie two different visions of French society and the world, between which left-wing voters will now be able to choose. ... The left thus faces a decisive phase which, beyond the presidential campaign, will offer it the opportunity to shape its future orientation.”