In a political climate marked by widespread uncertainty, at least one event has unfolded as expected. Former conservative prime minister Michel Barnier (Les Républicains, LR) came out on top in the first round of the by-election for the 2nd constituency of Paris on Sunday, September 21, with 45% of the vote. The sole left-wing candidate, Socialist Frédérique Bredin, came in second with 31%, followed by far-right candidates Thierry Mariani (Rassemblement National, RN, 7%) and Hilaire Bouyé (Reconquête!, 6%), in an election marked by low turnout (26%).
"We are aware that this high abstention rate also expresses concern, discontent and weariness with the current national political situation," Barnier said in the evening, calling for a "clear" vote next Sunday to cement his significant lead. "Faced with Michel Barnier, who embodies the democratic crisis, the country's paralysis and social regression, I call on all progressives, all republicans, to join forces for a different path," Bredin declared, highlighting a "decisive breakthrough" for the Socialists in the 5th arrondissement, where she came in first.
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