The members of the France Insoumise (LFI) group in the National Assembly are not apologizing for being there. Their main goal is to be perceived as the primary opposition to the government of Michel Barnier, with Mathilde Panot, the deputy of Val-de-Marne and president of the LFI group at the Palais-Bourbon, leading the charge. They are particularly focused on criticizing the macronism of Emmanuel Macron. The power in their view is still in the hands of the President, not in the National Assembly. They are concentrating their efforts on the impeachment procedure against the President, which was launched over the summer, even though it is unlikely to succeed under the current conditions.
The “insoumis” believe that Macron cannot afford for Barnier to fail because he himself appointed him under the rule of non-censorship a priori. Thus, they are aiming to increase pressure on Macron. There is a concern among their partners in the Nouveau Front Populaire about the conduct of Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s troops in the Assembly. Despite the intense opposition, they are striving to show that alternative political choices are possible and that they have incompatible programs. As they enter a new phase, they are emphasizing the need to shift from a phase of dismantling to a phase of constructing an alternative order.
The shift in strategy is becoming apparent in the discourse of the LFI leaders as they move towards a “constitutive” phase. The goal is not only to oppose but also to try to build majorities on certain issues, showcasing what they would do if in power. Mathilde Panot mentions building alliances with left-wing groups in the Senate to enable symbolic victories to be converted into the adoption of texts. The focus is on showing that they are capable of governing and making political choices that differ from the current administration.
The LFI is aiming to establish legitimacy in the Assembly and demonstrate their ability to govern effectively. They assert that they were robbed of the election and should have been the ones forming the government. By trying to construct majorities on specific issues and collaborating with other left-wing groups, they hope to transform symbolic victories into concrete legislative achievements through a true parliamentary shuttle. This approach marks a departure from merely oppositional tactics towards a more constructive engagement with the political system.
In conclusion, the LFI remains steadfast in their opposition to the government and Macron, focusing on the impeachment procedure and the idea of constructing an alternative political order. Through a strategic shift towards building majorities and engaging in constructive dialogue, they seek to demonstrate their capacity for governance and bring about lasting change through legislative action in the National Assembly. Despite the challenges they face, they are committed to their vision of a different political landscape and are working towards making it a reality.
