Elections will be held in France on Sunday. The shortest election campaign in the country’s history is in full swing. This is also the case at the entrance to a weekly market in Riedisheim in Alsace, a small town with around 12,500 inhabitants.
The market in Riedisheim in Alsace attracts many visitors. Among them is a retired businessman who has just finished his shopping. “I don’t know how I should vote this time. There is so much at stake. You have to think not only locally, but also in national dimensions,” he told SRF. Many people in the country are disappointed with politics, he says, and speaks of politicians who have made nice speeches but have not followed them up with actions.
David, a market visitor in his fifties, argues similarly. But he has already decided that he will vote for the Rassemblement National (RN), the far-right party of Marine Le Pen. Will it be the big winner of this parliamentary election and the 28-year-old RN party leader Jordan Bardella possibly become the new prime minister? This question is paramount in this lightning election campaign in France. Polls point in this direction.
This is exactly what scares market visitor Muriel, she said: “We have just celebrated 80 years of D-Day – the liberation from fascism – with great pomp and circumstance and now we want to elect people like this?” Her blanket verdict is that the French have always been individualistic and selfish.
Legend:
The weekly market in Riedisheim, Alsace, a small town with around 12,500 inhabitants.
SRF/Veronika Meier
Immigration, purchasing power, retirement age, wages and warnings against extremes: these are the key words of the hour. Riedisheim councillor Bertrand Voegtlin, however, notes that there is less talking, discussion and politicisation than usual – even in private. “The fronts are hardened, everyone is sticking to their point of view and refusing to listen to the arguments of others. This does not allow for constructive dialogue,” he says in a café on the edge of the market square.
Politicians advertise at the entrance to the market area
During the election campaign, politicians travel around the country and promote themselves and their party. A group of men stand at the entrance to the market area and hand out campaign brochures. This is where the political competition has gathered.
For example, Olivier Becht, who sat in the French parliament for years and is now running again as an independent in the president’s camp. Dissolving parliament so shortly before the Olympic Games is risky, as it could lead to riots. “But ultimately we are only playing into the hands of the West’s enemies – Russia, China – if we tear each other apart.”
Legend:
Olivier Becht sat in the French parliament for many years.
SRF/Veronika Meier
The RN candidate Pierre Pinto is also handing out brochures in front of the market and promoting his party. According to polls ahead of the French parliamentary election, the party currently appears to be on the rise. “The French have had enough of Macron’s ‘deadly politics’. They long for change.” Pinto’s slogans sound routine, as if rehearsed. This is not the first time the 25-year-old with Italian-Portuguese roots has been campaigning. Like party president Jordan Bardella, Pinto joined the RN at the age of 16.
Legend:
Pierre Pinto is running for the Rassemblement National (RN).
SRF/Veronika Meier
After a good two hours, the campaigners move on. There is still a lot to do. In front of the melon stand, an election brochure lies on the ground. Someone has lost it – whether intentionally or not.
Legend:
The outcome of the elections in France will be revealed this Sunday.
SRF/Veronika Meier