In France, discredited Republican leader Ciotti maintains control of the party's leadership position.
Yesterday, in Ciotti's absence, the party leadership made a decision that excluded him. France 2 reports that he considers this meeting illegitimate. During an interview with France 2, Ciotti described the controversies surrounding him as "minor disputes within the party's ranks."
He estimated that there would be around 70 to 80 candidates from the Republicans who would be endorsed by the right-wing party Rassemblement National (RN). "With this national alliance between Republicans and RN, the right will take power," Ciotti said, adding "We'll get the country back on track and restore order."
Annie Genevard, the former general secretary who has been holding the interim leadership role due to the party leadership's decision, criticized Ciotti's attitude. In an interview with France Info, she stated, "I no longer recognize the person I've worked with for years."
On Tuesday, Ciotti publicly voiced support for an electoral alliance between the Republicans and the RN, breaking a long-standing taboo. This resulted in several local politicians and senators leaving the party.
The French conservatives view themselves as descendants of Charles de Gaulle, who led the French resistance against Nazi Germany during World War II. The RN, on the other hand, is the successor party of the Front National, one of whose founders, aside from Jean-Marie Le Pen, was Pierre Bousquet, a former member of the Waffen-SS.
In response to Ciotti's offer, Marine Le Pen, the faction leader of RN, deemed it a "courageous decision," stating that it showcased "responsibility."
In light of the RN's victory in the European elections and the underwhelming performance of Ciotti's party, French President Emmanuel Macron has called for new elections to the National Assembly. Voting will take place in two rounds on June 30 and July 7.
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- Despite the controversy surrounding him, Eric Ciotti, the Party leader of the Republicans in France, continues to uphold his position in office.
- The absence of Eric Ciotti led to a decision by the party leadership that excluded him, which he considered illegitimate and dismissed as minor disputes within their ranks.
- Following Ciotti's public support for an electoral alliance with the right-wing party Rassemblement National (RN), a number of local politicians and senators from the Republicans have left the party, causing chaos within the party.
- While convening a press conference, the party's temporary Office-holder, Annie Genevard, expressed her disappointment in Ciotti's behavior, stating that she no longer recognized the person she had worked with for years.
- The fast-rising faction leader of RN, Marine Le Pen, praised Ciotti's approach as a "courageous decision" that showcased "responsibility," as they prepared for the imminent elections in France.
