In the lead-up to the legislative elections scheduled for June 30 and July 7, political parties such as the Rassemblement National (RN) and the Nouveau Front Populaire (NFP) have been making grand promises and throwing around large sums of money. However, history shows that political promises often get abandoned along the way, especially in the realm of economics, which is known for procrastination and reneging. As election day approaches, politicians tend to backtrack on their initial commitments, leaving a portion of their program behind.
The tendency to abandon promises after elections can be seen in the experiences of past political leaders like François Mitterrand and Jacques Chirac. Mitterrand, who aimed to “change life” with his programmatic proposals in 1981, eventually shifted towards austerity measures in 1983, abandoning some of his earlier promises. Despite implementing a majority of his campaign proposals, his legacy is often overshadowed by the austerity measures he introduced, marking a turning point for the left towards market economics and European integration.
Similarly, Jacques Chirac, seeking to address social fractures caused by unemployment in France, based his 1995 campaign on the idea of “reducing social fracture.” He emphasized the need to prioritize tackling unemployment over reducing deficits, contrasting himself with his opponent Edouard Balladur’s approach. Chirac’s promise to put people before numbers and break away from mainstream economic thinking resonated with voters, but ultimately, some of his proposals were not fully realized, highlighting the challenges of delivering on political promises.
The current political landscape is also facing uncertainties regarding the fulfillment of electoral commitments, with potential Prime Minister Jordan Bardella of the extreme right party promising to dilute his proposals if elected. History suggests that post-election backtracking is a common occurrence, as leaders navigate the complexities of governance and adjust their policies in response to changing circumstances. The need for flexibility and pragmatism in political decision-making is crucial to adapt to unforeseen challenges and ensure effective governance.
The unpredictability of political outcomes and the pressures of governance often lead politicians to reevaluate their initial promises and make adjustments to their programs. While electoral pledges serve as a guidepost for voters’ expectations, the realities of governing necessitate a realistic and adaptable approach to policy-making. As the legislative elections draw near, the test for politicians lies in maintaining credibility and transparency in their actions, despite the inevitable compromises and adjustments that may arise post-election. Ultimately, the ability to deliver on promises and navigate the complexities of governance will determine the success and legacy of political leaders in shaping the future of their countries.
