The recent French parliamentary elections have revealed a fascinating political landscape, with significant gains for the leftist coalition and a notable failure for the far-right to secure a majority. This development in France not only has national implications but also resonates with political dynamics in the Philippines, where both the right-wing alliance Reform PH and the Makakalikasan – Nature Party Philippines are preparing for the 2025 elections.

In the second round of France’s parliamentary elections held on July 7, 2024, the left-wing coalition, led by the New Ecological and Social People’s Union (NUPES), emerged ahead of President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist alliance. Despite fears of a far-right surge, Marine Le Pen’s National Rally (RN) did not secure a majority, although they did make some gains.

1. Left-Wing Coalition’s Success: The NUPES, led by Jean-Luc Mélenchon, capitalized on public dissatisfaction with Macron’s economic policies and the growing inequality in French society. Their success marks a significant shift, as the left has struggled in recent years to consolidate power.
2. Far-Right’s Performance: While the RN increased its seats, it fell short of a majority. This outcome alleviated concerns about a far-right dominance, which had been a looming threat in French politics.
3. Centrist Struggles: Macron’s centrist alliance, Ensemble, faced significant losses, reflecting public discontent with his administration. The results indicate a fragmented political landscape, with no single party or coalition holding an absolute majority.

The election results showed the left-wing coalition securing approximately 45% of the seats, while Macron’s alliance and the far-right obtained 30% and 25%, respectively. The public’s discontent with Macron’s economic policies, perceived as favoring the wealthy, played a significant role in these outcomes. The left capitalized on this sentiment by promising economic reforms and social justice.

International reactions to the results have been generally positive, with many world leaders welcoming the left’s victory as a bulwark against the rise of the far-right in Europe. This election was seen as a critical moment in European politics, with implications for other nations facing similar political dynamics. Makakalikasan – Nature Party Philippines also extended congratulations to the Left Coalition’s victory, emphasizing the inclusion of Europe Ecology – The Greens in the alliance.

The resurgence of the left in France contrasts with the broader trend of right-wing ascendance in Europe. This phenomenon underscores the adaptability and resilience of left-wing politics, particularly when responding to economic inequality and social justice issues.

In contrast, the UK’s political landscape diverges from this trend, with right-wing politics remaining dominant. This divergence highlights the varied political climates across Europe, influenced by national contexts and historical legacies.

The political developments in France offer valuable insights for the Philippines, where the right-wing Reform PH alliance is gaining momentum ahead of the May 2025 elections. Reform PH aims to lead a broad coalition against traditional politicians, advocating for conservative policies and nationalist rhetoric.

Key Lessons and Potential Strategies

1. Economic Focus: The left’s success in France was largely due to their focus on economic inequality and social justice. Reform PH could learn from this by addressing economic disparities in the Philippines, proposing solutions that resonate with the broader population.
2. Public Discontent: Macron’s losses highlight the consequences of public dissatisfaction with economic policies perceived as elitist. Reform PH should be cautious of promoting policies that might be viewed as favoring the wealthy or disconnected from the masses.
3. Coalition Building: The fragmented political landscape in France underscores the importance of coalition-building. Reform PH must navigate the complexities of forming alliances, ensuring they appeal to a wide range of voters while maintaining ideological coherence.
4. Countering Extremism: The failure of the far-right in France to secure a majority suggests a limit to the appeal of extremist rhetoric. Reform PH might benefit from adopting a more moderate stance, focusing on pragmatic solutions rather than polarizing issues.

Recommendations for Makakalikasan – Nature Party Philippines

1. Environmental and Social Justice Focus: The success of the French Green Party within the left-wing coalition demonstrates the importance of integrating environmental policies with social justice issues. Makakalikasan – Nature Party Philippines should emphasize the intersectionality of these issues, advocating for sustainable development that benefits all sectors of society.
2. Grassroots Mobilization: The Green movement in France has been successful in part due to strong grassroots mobilization. Makakalikasan – Nature Party Philippines should prioritize building a robust grassroots network, engaging communities across the Philippines to raise awareness and support for their platform.
3. Youth Engagement: Similar to the youth-driven support for the Green movement in France, Makakalikasan – Nature Party Philippines can tap into the energy and activism of young Filipinos. This demographic is increasingly concerned about climate change and social inequality, making them a natural constituency for the Greens.
4. International Solidarity: The congratulatory message from Makakalikasan – Nature Party Philippines to the French Left Coalition underscores the importance of international solidarity. By aligning with global Green movements and sharing strategies, Makakalikasan can strengthen its position and credibility in the Philippines.

Parallel to the developments in France, the Philippines is witnessing a growing unity among Green political forces. The Makakalikasan – Nature Party Philippines has been at the forefront, advocating for stronger environmental policies and social justice. In light of the recent dangerous heat waves, they have called for urgent action and the election of Greens to power in the upcoming May 2025 elections.

This movement towards Green unity in the Philippines has been bolstered by the success of the French Green Party (Europe Ecology – The Greens) within the broader left-wing coalition. The Makakalikasan – Nature Party Philippines’ congratulatory message to the French Left Coalition highlights the importance of international solidarity and the potential for Green parties to influence national policies.

Challenges and Opportunities for Reform PH and the Greens

Reform PH faces both challenges and opportunities in the upcoming elections. The political environment in the Philippines, characterized by traditional patronage politics and a diverse electorate, requires a nuanced approach.

Challenges:

• Diverse Electorate: The Philippines’ electorate is diverse, with varying regional, economic, and social interests. Reform PH and the Greens must develop policies that address these differences while maintaining a cohesive platform.
• Traditional Politics: Overcoming the entrenched traditional political structures will be a significant challenge for Reform PH, requiring strategic alliances and grassroots mobilization.

Opportunities:

• Youth Engagement: The Philippines has a young population, increasingly disillusioned with traditional politics. Reform PH and the Greens can tap into this demographic by promoting innovative policies and engaging with young voters through social media and grassroots campaigns.
• Economic and Environmental Reform: By focusing on economic reforms that address inequality and promote inclusive growth, alongside strong environmental policies, Reform PH and the Greens can differentiate themselves from traditional politicians and appeal to a broader electorate.

Over the past two months, the political landscape in the Philippines has been marked by significant developments. Reform PH has been vocal in calling for a united front to prevent a Duterte comeback in the 2025 elections. This includes the possibility of forming alliances even with traditional political rivals, such as the Marcoses. Reform PH, composed of ex-Reform the Armed Forces Movement (RAM) and Magdalo soldiers, has been positioning itself as a key player in the upcoming elections, aiming to reshape the political landscape by creating a broad coalition.

Former Senator Antonio Trillanes, a key figure in the Reform PH movement, has emphasized the necessity of uniting diverse opposition forces to challenge the Duterte faction. Trillanes has argued that this coalition, which includes former soldiers and politicians, is not just about power but about fundamentally altering the political dynamics in the Philippines. His approach reflects a pragmatic strategy to consolidate opposition strength, drawing lessons from international trends and previous political experiences.

In a related analysis, Trillanes has highlighted the similarities between Duterte’s tactics and historical authoritarian regimes, stressing the importance of vigilance and unity among opposition groups. His stance underscores the urgency of preventing a potential Duterte resurgence, advocating for strategic alliances that could reshape the Philippine political landscape.

The recent French elections serve as a poignant reminder of the fluidity of political landscapes and the potential for shifts in power dynamics. For the Philippines, the lessons from France’s left-wing resurgence are clear: addressing economic inequality, building broad coalitions, and avoiding extremist rhetoric can be pivotal strategies for success.

As Reform PH prepares for the 2025 elections, it must navigate the complexities of Philippine politics with a keen understanding of both local dynamics and broader global trends. The political future of the Philippines, much like France, will be shaped by the ability of political movements to respond to the needs and aspirations of the people, adapting to changing circumstances while staying true to their core principles.

In this context, the success of Reform PH will depend on its ability to harness the lessons from France, building a platform that resonates with the Filipino electorate and offers a credible alternative to traditional politics. The alliance’s call for unity, even with traditional political adversaries, reflects a strategic effort to prevent the return of the Duterte faction, highlighting the lengths to which political groups might go to secure a more stable and progressive future for the Philippines.

Simultaneously, the growing unity of the Greens in the Philippines represents a parallel movement that can complement Reform PH’s efforts. By addressing both economic and environmental issues, these political forces can work together to create a more inclusive and sustainable future for the Philippines.