Prominent figures within the French Jewish community have raised concerns following the unexpected victory of the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) alliance in yesterday's parliamentary elections. Criticism has been particularly aimed at one of its prominent leaders for alleged anti-Semitic views.
The NFP, comprising parties like the Socialists and Jean-Luc Melenchon's hard-left 'France Unbowed' (LFI), secured 182 seats in parliament, narrowly surpassing President Macron's centrist 'Together' coalition, which garnered 168 seats. The hard-right National Rally (RN) trailed in third place with 143 seats, despite initially leading after the first round of elections a week ago.
Ahead of the second-round vote, critics had denounced the RN as a party rife with racism and xenophobia. However, attention has now turned to Melenchon, whose leadership of LFI has drawn significant criticism from France's Jewish community, accusing him of harbouring anti-Semitic sentiments.
In response to the election outcome, Rabbi Moshe Sebbag from the Grand Synagogue of Paris lamented, suggesting a bleak future for Jews in France and advising younger generations to consider emigrating to Israel. Bernard-Henri Lévy, a prominent French-Jewish philosopher, criticized Melenchon and voiced concerns about anti-Semitic influences within the left.
The election results have left France with a hung parliament, dividing seats among three major factions with vastly different visions for the country's future. President Macron, amidst the uncertainty, has opted to retain Prime Minister Gabriel Attal and maintain stability in the government.