Manon Aubry and François Ruffin held a meeting in Amiens on May 13, 2024. Before the meeting at the Mégacité venue, activists were seen carrying posters for their collages. Some activists managed to remove posters from the far-right party Reconquête that were plastered on Manon Aubry’s face. Agathe, a CGT activist from Arras, was also present to see François Ruffin. Despite not drawing large crowds, the 350-seat hall was full, signaling the final stretch of the European election campaign for La France insoumise (LFI).
The meeting aimed to address a range of issues important to Manon Aubry, including purchasing power, opposition to free trade agreements, and a call for a ceasefire in Gaza following the conflict in the region. It also provided an opportunity to confront Raphaël Glucksmann, the candidate from the Socialist Party (PS) and Place Publique, who was in third place in the polls. The event featured industry representatives, including employees from the local Metex amino acid manufacturing company, which is undergoing judicial restructuring. François Ruffin, in his address, criticized the European policies that have led to numerous job relocations to Eastern Europe, a phenomenon that has been visible in Picardie.
During the meeting, François Ruffin expressed his opposition to the European Union’s focus on free competition and market liberalization. He emphasized the need for clarity in left-wing politics, questioning whether the retirement age should be set at 60. Ruffin called for unity within the left, but stressed the importance of clear and decisive policies. The meeting generated enthusiasm among the audience, who were ready to protest against Raphaël Glucksmann’s policies. The event highlighted the contrasting visions of the future of Europe between La France insoumise and other political groups.
The presence of industry representatives at the meeting underscored the economic challenges facing the region, including job losses due to outsourcing and restructuring. François Ruffin’s consistent support for local workers was praised by the speakers, who highlighted his frequent visits to the region. The event served as a platform to showcase the issues impacting working-class communities in Picardie and to outline the party’s vision for a fairer and more equitable European Union. The meeting provided a stage for Manon Aubry and François Ruffin to articulate their positions on key issues and appeal to voters ahead of the European elections.
In conclusion, the meeting in Amiens on May 13, 2024, marked an important moment in the European election campaign for La France insoumise. The event allowed the party to address a range of issues, including economic challenges, social justice, and European policies. The presence of industry representatives and activists highlighted the party’s commitment to addressing the concerns of working-class communities and advocating for a more progressive and inclusive Europe. The speeches by Manon Aubry and François Ruffin underscored the importance of unity and clarity within the left-wing movement, emphasizing the need for strong and principled leadership in the face of political challenges.
