2019 European Parliament election in France

2019 European Parliament election in France was held on 26 May 2019 to elect the 79 French members of the European Parliament. The election occurred amidst significant political turbulence, including the Yellow vests movement and debates over European integration. The contest was primarily framed as a battle between the pro-European centrist platform of President Emmanuel Macron and the nationalist, Eurosceptic agenda of Marine Le Pen.

Background

The political landscape in the lead-up to the election was shaped by the 2017 presidential election, which had realigned the party system around La République En Marche! and the National Rally. Key issues included the future of the European Union, climate change, and national sovereignty, with the ongoing Yellow vests protests highlighting domestic discontent. The election also served as a mid-term test for President Emmanuel Macron's administration, following reforms to the labour code and controversies over his leadership style. The Treaty of Lisbon determined the allocation of seats, with France gaining five additional MEPs compared to the 2014 election.

Campaign

The campaign was dominated by the rivalry between the list led by Nathalie Loiseau for La République En Marche!, advocating for deeper European integration, and the list headed by Jordan Bardella for the National Rally, which campaigned on reclaiming national sovereignty. Other significant lists included Europe Ecology – The Greens, led by Yannick Jadot, focusing on the European Green Deal, and The Republicans, led by François-Xavier Bellamy, presenting a center-right alternative. La France Insoumise, with lead candidate Manon Aubry, campaigned on a platform of social justice and opposition to EU trade treaties. Debates often centered on issues like climate policy, migration, and the future of the Eurozone.

Opinion polls

Throughout the campaign period, opinion polls consistently showed a close race between the National Rally and La République En Marche!, with both parties vying for first place. Surveys from institutes like Ifop, Ipsos, and Kantar indicated a surge in support for Europe Ecology – The Greens, linked to rising public concern over environmental issues. Polls also projected a historically low result for traditional parties like The Republicans and the Socialist Party, reflecting the continued fragmentation of the French political landscape. The final pre-election polls were closely watched for signs of a potential "green wave" across Europe.

Results

The National Rally finished first with 23.3% of the vote, narrowly ahead of La République En Marche! at 22.4%, with each winning 23 seats. The most significant breakthrough was for Europe Ecology – The Greens, which secured 13.5% and 13 seats, more than doubling its result from 2014. The Republicans obtained 8.5% and 8 seats, while La France Insoumise won 6.3% and 6 seats. The Socialist Party, in alliance with Place Publique, garnered only 6.2% and 5 seats, a historic defeat. Voter turnout was 50.1%, a significant increase from the previous election, with results showing a clear geographical divide between metropolitan areas and rural regions.

Aftermath

The result was interpreted as a setback for President Emmanuel Macron, who had hoped for a clear victory to bolster his pro-European agenda ahead of negotiations for the European Commission presidency. The strong showing by Europe Ecology – The Greens influenced the formation of the Greens–European Free Alliance group in the European Parliament. Domestically, the success of the National Rally reinforced the position of Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella ahead of the 2020 municipal elections. The election results contributed to the complex negotiations that eventually led to the appointment of Ursula von der Leyen as President of the European Commission and heightened debates over the Spitzenkandidat process.

Category:2019 European Parliament election