Anne Hidalgo, the mayor of Paris, has expressed deep frustration with her political party, the Parti socialiste (PS), in an interview with Libération. She believes the party made a mistake by not supporting the nomination of Bernard Cazeneuve as Prime Minister, despite him coming from within the party. Hidalgo feels that Cazeneuve, as a left-wing figure, could have united different factions and potentially offered a government, but the PS leadership chose to defer to Jean-Luc Mélenchon instead. The PS leadership denies that Emmanuel Macron ever seriously considered Cazeneuve for the position.
Hidalgo has taken a position of opposition within the party towards Olivier Faure, the current first secretary of the PS, aligning herself with dissidents Hélène Geoffroy and Nicolas Mayer-Rossignol. She believes it is essential for the PS to hold a congress to address the differing strategic approaches within the party. Hidalgo argues that a congress is necessary not only due to party statutes but also to resolve disagreements in a respectful manner between individuals and ideas. The next congress is scheduled for early 2025, but Hidalgo believes there is an urgent need for it to take place sooner.
Since the congress in Marseille in January 2023, the PS has been divided on the issue of forming an alliance with La France insoumise (LFI) and its leader, Jean-Luc Mélenchon. Olivier Faure’s stance, advocating for left-wing unity with the “insoumis,” narrowly won out over the position of Nicolas Mayer-Rossignol, close to Hidalgo and other prominent PS figures. Hélène Geoffroy, allied with former president François Hollande, also opposed an alliance with LFI. The strategic division within the party highlights the need for a congress to address these differing opinions and establish a unified approach.
Hidalgo’s call for a PS congress reflects broader tensions within the party regarding its strategic direction and alliances with other left-wing groups. By pushing for a congress to address these issues, she hopes to resolve internal disagreements and chart a path forward for the party. Despite her frustration with the PS leadership’s decisions, Hidalgo remains committed to the party and believes that a congress is necessary to ensure that differing perspectives are heard and respected within the party.
The debate within the PS over alliances and strategic direction underscores the challenges facing the party in a rapidly evolving political landscape. As traditional party lines blur and new political movements gain traction, the PS must navigate these changes to remain relevant and effective. Hidalgo’s call for a congress to address these issues reflects a desire for the party to adapt and respond to the current political climate, ensuring that it can continue to play a meaningful role in French politics. Ultimately, the outcome of the upcoming congress will shape the future of the PS and its ability to connect with voters and maintain its position as a key political force in France.
