Attal Envisions a Post-Barnier Political Pact to Counter RN Influence

Following the anticipated fall of Michel Barnier’s government, Gabriel Attal has put forth a bold political strategy. The president of the Ensemble pour la République group is advocating for a “non-censure” agreement that would include both the Socialists and the Republicans (LR), aiming to curtail the Rassemblement National’s (RN) sway over governance.

“What we need now is a political equation where the RN is no longer in a position to dictate government policy,” Attal stated on Tuesday, December 3. He believes such an agreement would provide “a collective way out of a government held hostage by Marine Le Pen.”

A Broader Alliance for Government Stability

Attal is calling for an unprecedented pact: “This would mean finding a form of non-censure agreement with the Socialists, in addition to the LR. I don’t know if it’s feasible, but it’s what we should aim for,” he explained. The goal is to ensure governmental stability and prevent the RN from pulling the strings in parliamentary dynamics.

As a staunch advocate of the Republican front, Attal noted a shift in the Socialist Party’s stance in recent months: “In their statement on Monday, they no longer mentioned Lucie Castets and referred to a Prime Minister who shares the values of the left.”

Divergences with the Socialist Party

Despite these ambitions, friction remains. Boris Vallaud, leader of the Socialist deputies, recently suggested a collective discussion on “non-censure,” explicitly excluding the RN. However, Socialist leaders reject the notion of a “grand coalition.”

A senior Socialist figure clarified: “We are talking about a left-wing government, led by a left-wing Prime Minister, pursuing left-wing policies. This would involve negotiating legislation case by case with the centrist bloc, but it is by no means a national unity government.”

Uncertainty Among the Republicans

The Republicans’ support for this plan is also far from certain. On Tuesday, Laurent Wauquiez, leader of the LR deputies, reiterated that their previous commitment of support in September “was only for Michel Barnier.” This remark, reported by Le Figaro and confirmed by his entourage, casts doubt on the party’s willingness to participate in such an initiative.

Attal faces significant challenges in navigating these divisions as he seeks to construct a coalition capable of stabilizing the government while sidelining the RN’s influence.