The Prime Minister, Gabriel Attal, delivered a speech at a meeting of the presidential camp for the upcoming European elections at the Maison de la Mutualité in Paris on May 7, 2024. The presidential camp, largely behind in the polls compared to the far-right Rassemblement National (RN) and closely followed by the PS-Place publique list, tried to breathe new life into its campaign for the European elections. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal and lead candidate Valérie Hayer spoke to rally supporters and sway undecided voters, emphasizing the importance of winning the election for France and Europe.
Attal echoed Emmanuel Macron’s earlier sentiments, emphasizing that the end of Europe would be a deadly threat to France. He highlighted the changes France has brought about in Europe in various areas such as ecology, industry, immigration, and health, crediting Macron’s leadership. He stressed the need for an “Europe of results, solutions, and concreteness,” outlining the major projects proposed by Macron to strengthen defense and European industry, both of which are included in the majority’s program.
Attacking those who advocate leaving the European Union without fully acknowledging it, Attal criticized the RN for having a “masked project” of anonymous europhobes. He accused them of wanting to weaken Europe and by extension, France. The meeting at the Maison de la Mutualité, symbolically held seven years to the day after Macron’s first election, aimed to invigorate supporters and demonstrate unity within the presidential camp as they faced a challenging electoral landscape.
Facing a considerable gap in the polls behind the RN, Macron asked Prime Minister Attal to engage more actively in the European election campaign. The latest polling data showed the RN’s list led by Jordan Bardella at 32% of voting intentions, with the presidential camp trailing at 17% and the PS-Place publique list led by Raphaël Glucksmann at 17%. In response, Attal will engage in a televised debate with the RN’s president on May 23, as efforts intensify to bolster support for the presidential camp.
A united front was presented behind lead candidate Valérie Hayer, with former Prime Minister Edouard Philippe, MoDem leader François Bayrou, former Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, and current Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Stéphane Séjourné all taking the stage to show support. Emphasizing their consistent pro-European stance and commitment, they aimed to distinguish themselves from other parties and underscore the importance of the European elections as a standalone event rather than a continuation of domestic politics.
Other speakers highlighted the urgent need to build a strong Europe, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. They stressed the importance of convincing voters and emphasized the need for a powerful Europe in line with Macron’s vision. With a month left until the election, they acknowledged the challenges ahead and the necessity to rally support and persuade voters. The presidential camp is determined to regain momentum and appeal to voters in the lead-up to the European elections.
