Léon Deffontaines, the head of the French Communist Party’s list for the European elections, recently appeared on France Inter to defend nuclear energy as the “energy of the future, the ecology of the future.” He argued that anti-nuclear activists are stuck in the past and claimed that there are currently no deaths linked to nuclear waste, unlike the significant number of deaths caused by climate change. Deffontaines also emphasized the need to massively develop renewable energies, while acknowledging that no energy source is perfect.
In addition to his stance on nuclear energy, Deffontaines highlighted the importance of placing the “social question” at the center of political concerns. He criticized Jordan Bardella of the National Rally for lacking a genuine social agenda and accused him of sharing the same economic and social project as Emmanuel Macron, with the added element of xenophobia. Deffontaines challenged Bardella to a debate and expressed disappointment in his failure to respond, suggesting that Bardella should send representatives in his place if he lacks the courage to engage in direct dialogue.
Despite being credited with only 2.5% of voting intentions in the most recent polling data, Deffontaines remains optimistic about his party’s chances in the upcoming elections. He believes that the French public’s disinterest in the campaign could still lead to a surge in support for his list, potentially pushing them past the 5% threshold needed to secure seats in the European Parliament. Deffontaines expressed his goal of uniting the various left-wing lists to collectively ensure the election of more left-leaning representatives at the expense of right-wing and far-right parties.
Overall, Deffontaines’ appearance on France Inter highlighted his support for nuclear energy and his commitment to addressing social issues in the political sphere. Despite facing low polling numbers, he remains hopeful that a late surge in support could propel his party over the electoral threshold. By challenging Bardella and emphasizing the need for a strong left-wing presence in the European Parliament, Deffontaines is positioning himself as a voice for progressive policies in France. His vision for the future involves a combination of nuclear energy, renewable sources, and a focus on social justice as key components of a sustainable and equitable society.
