In Paris, they took to the streets to protest an anticipated far-right win but ended up celebrating an unexpected left-wing triumph in the legislative elections. France's African diaspora is overjoyed, having played a crucial role in the New Popular Front's (NFP) surprising victory.
"We will not go back where we came from. Bardella did not win. Vive la France!" celebrated Tresor Tchaipo, an Ivorian-French TikTok creator, from his balcony. Several other young French people documented their celebrations of this historic moment.
At 8 pm, the large screen at Place de la République lit up with the results of the second round of the legislative elections. For a brief moment, the crowd held its breath. Then, a collective cry of joy erupted as the red section representing the New Popular Front (NFP) slightly dominated the screen. The "Macronists" (the president's party/centre-right) came in second, and the far-right trailed last.
On BFMTV live, one of the biggest French news broadcasts, a woman donning the hijab was shown dancing and chanting with an ecstatic crowd celebrating the left’s victory. Meanwhile, on the other side of the screen, a group of right-wing supporters looked on in disbelief, repeatedly refreshing their phones.
"Racists will never win, France is saved," posted an Algerian-French X user as he live-shared the celebration from Place de la République.
"Veiled women will keep their veils. Dual nationals will keep their two nationalities. Minimum wage at €1600 net. Recognition of the Palestinian state. Thank you, NFP," he added.
The New Popular Front (NFP) is composed, among others, of the Socialist Party, the Greens, the French Communist Party, and La France Insoumise (LFI).
The NFP represents a rare moment of left-wing unity in the country. It was formed after French President Emmanuel Macron called for early legislative elections on June 9, following the far-right's victory in the European elections on the same day.
"Families from African roots or mixed families tend to support the left wing in the presidential elections, considering their progressive programs towards diversity. But the division of the left camp is what divides these votes," explained French political expert Olivier Deau in a statement to The New Arab during Mélenchon's candidacy in the 2022 presidential race.
This election saw: a united leftist front committed to the Palestinian cause, against a rising far-right threatening dual nationals jobs and lives.
A report by Le Monde, published on 17 June, shows that the left focused its recent campaign on connecting with residents of disadvantaged neighbourhoods, putting the Palestinian cause at the heart of its campaign.
The focus on the Palestinian cause drew support from Muslim communities, resulting in a notable increase in voter turnout in areas known for being politically inactive. The report also highlights the growing political engagement of young people from these communities, pointing to a new wave of activism and involvement instead of political despair.
"We will recognise the Palestinian state as quickly as possible," said Jean-Luc Mélenchon, a figurehead of the NFP alliance. Unlike some other leftist parties in Europe, Mélenchon and his allies did not shy away from calling for an immediate ceasefire, condemning the Israeli actions, and brandishing Palestinian flags in solidarity with Gaza inside Parliament.
The NFP also wants to cap prices of essential goods like fuel and food, raise the minimum wage to a net €1600 (US$1732) per month, hike wages for public sector workers, and impose a wealth tax. On the other hand, the National Rally (RN) was promising stricter migration policies and banning dual nationalities from certain jobs.
Earlier this month, the far-right's infamous leader, Eric Zemmour, posted a video on Twitter, dancing to an AI-generated song saying, "You will go back as you came when we make Bardella win."
The song titled, "Je partirai pas" (I will not go), samples the cry of a man filmed on a plane, reportedly an Algerian, being expelled from France, was widely used by far-right supporters and became the party's unofficial anthem.
Following their defeat, hundreds of users posted on TikTok celebrating the left's win using a new song, also made by AI, "Wallah, we will stay, sorry Bardella [...] in this country we have rebuilt everything [...] we work, we contribute, we pay our taxes."
As the celebrations continue, fear is creeping in among left supporters, as despite their win, they have failed to secure an absolute majority of 289 seats in the 577-seat assembly.
The election will leave parliament divided into three big groups—the left, the centrists, and the far right—with hugely different platforms and no tradition of working together.
The constitution does not oblige Macron to ask the leftist group to form a government, though that would be the usual step as it is the biggest group in parliament. What comes next is uncertain.