There is a significant divide between left and right political parties when it comes to animal welfare issues, according to animal protection associations. With the European elections approaching, left-wing parties such as Europe Ecologie-Les Verts, France insoumise, and Parti socialiste-Place publique have pledged to support measures proposed by animal welfare NGOs. The right-wing and far-right parties, on the other hand, have not shown the same level of commitment to animal welfare issues, which has been criticized by animal rights groups.
Nine lists in France have signed at least part of the European manifesto “Vote for Animals,” which includes measures to improve animal welfare and ban fur farms. Europe Ecologie-Les Verts, France insoumise, and Parti socialiste-Place publique have committed to a majority of the proposed measures, while the Renaissance list has surprised by agreeing to twenty-three measures that aim to improve breeding conditions and prohibit fur farms. The Parti animaliste, Écologie au centre, and La Ruche citoyenne have pledged to support all measures aimed at ending cage farming, promoting sustainable animal-friendly food production, improving transportation conditions, transitioning to animal-free scientific research, and appointing a specialized European Commissioner.
In contrast, right-wing and far-right parties have not signed the manifesto, leading animal welfare NGOs to express concerns about the policies of Les Républicains and Rassemblement National. The Party animaliste tops the rankings with a perfect score in the L214 association’s assessment of European election lists based on their animal welfare policies, while the RN, Reconquête, and LR parties received low scores. Despite signing the “Vote for Animals” manifesto, the Renaissance list was ranked second to last, just ahead of LR, in the evaluation by L214.
The Party animaliste received a perfect score of 5/5 in the assessment of European election lists’ animal welfare policies, while Europe Ecologie-Les Verts and France insoumise ranked 4th and 5th with scores of 3.51 and 3.34/5, respectively. The list led by Raphaël Glucksmann received a lower score of 1.72/5 due to a lack of specificity in their objectives concerning animal welfare issues. Despite addressing some animal-specific issues, the list fell short in terms of clarity and detail, according to analyst Olivier Morice.
Overall, the divide between left-wing and right-wing parties on animal welfare issues remains significant, with left-wing parties receiving praise from animal rights groups for their commitments to supporting measures aimed at improving animal welfare. Right-wing and far-right parties, however, have been criticized for their lack of engagement and specific proposals to address animal welfare concerns. As the European elections approach, the issue of animal welfare continues to be a significant point of contention among political parties and NGOs advocating for better treatment of animals.
