In his campaign headquarters in Saint-Amand-Les-Eaux (Nord) on June 19, 2024, Fabien Roussel is gathered with a group of young sympathizers to discuss their strategy for the upcoming legislative elections. They are focused on reaching out to abstentionists, who numbered twelve thousand in the previous European elections, and trying to counter the rise of the far-right National Rally (RN) in a short, intense campaign. Roussel emphasizes the importance of listening to people’s concerns about issues such as pensions and rising bills, acknowledging their anger and then presenting the party’s program and their well-known candidate in a non-confrontational way.
The day before this meeting, Roussel had been busy going door-to-door in Saint-Amand-Les-Eaux, where he also serves as a municipal councilor, in addition to interviews and virtual discussions about the program of the New Popular Front. With just over a week until the legislative elections, Roussel understands that these final days of campaigning will be crucial. The political atmosphere is tense and unprecedented following the dissolution of Parliament. Despite a generally warm reception from voters, many are still reeling from President Macron’s decision to dissolve Parliament, and it is clear that Roussel needs to work hard to convince them of his candidacy.
The local party members, including veteran activists like Yvon Quintin, are aware of the challenges they face in this election. Quintin notes that the working-class mining region has long been a stronghold for the RN, and while Macron’s unpopularity has created an opening, it is not guaranteed that voters will see Roussel as their best defender. However, the recent influx of younger volunteers responding to Roussel’s call on social media platforms like TikTok has given the campaign a boost. In this challenging political environment, the party members understand the need to step up their efforts and mobilize as much support as possible.
The campaign team in Saint-Amand-Les-Eaux is working tirelessly to reach out to voters, particularly those who abstained in the previous election and are critical for the success of Roussel’s campaign. With the clock ticking towards election day, Roussel is approaching every interaction with voters with determination, even as he faces the daunting task of countering the wave of support for the RN. Despite the challenges ahead, the team remains committed to their goal of representing the interests of the working-class residents in the region and providing a strong alternative to the far-right party.
As the campaign intensifies, Roussel and his team are acutely aware of the need to connect with voters on a personal level and address the pressing issues they are facing in their daily lives. By demonstrating empathy and understanding towards the concerns of the residents, the team hopes to build trust and support for their candidate in this crucial election. With the fate of the election hanging in the balance, every action and conversation becomes a vital opportunity to win over the hearts and minds of the electorate in Saint-Amand-Les-Eaux and secure a victory for the Communist Party in the upcoming legislative elections.
