François Hollande: “The Socialists Hold the Key Until 2027”

Former French President François Hollande believes the Socialist Party (PS) now plays a central role in the National Assembly after opting not to support the motion of no confidence against François Bayrou’s government, unlike the rest of the left. In an interview with La Tribune, Hollande stated that this decision marks a turning point, with the Socialists having “made a major decision” and “fully assuming their role as a responsible and useful opposition party.”

The PS: A Pillar in the National Assembly

For François Hollande, now a Member of Parliament for Corrèze and a proponent of this stance, the Socialists have become “the central force in the National Assembly, as nothing can happen without them or against them.” He believes this strategic position grants the PS a decisive influence “until 2027.”

François Bayrou’s government narrowly avoided a motion of no confidence on Thursday, tabled by La France Insoumise (LFI). A significant majority of Socialist MPs refused to back the motion, choosing instead to engage in dialogue with the Prime Minister. This approach led to renewed discussions on key issues, such as the 2023 pension reform, the reversal of plans to delist certain medications, and the cancellation of 4,000 teaching job cuts.

Criticism of LFI and a Call for Balance

Hollande praised the PS for making “compromises that benefit the French people” and criticized LFI’s strategy, accusing it of seeking to “block institutional progress and provoke a presidential election.” According to him, the Socialists’ constructive stance contrasts sharply with the “sterile posturing” of LFI.

The motion of no confidence debated on Thursday followed François Bayrou’s general policy speech in the National Assembly. Additional motions are expected during budget discussions scheduled for late February or early March. Hollande emphasized the urgency of adopting a new budget but warned that it “cannot simply be a repeat of the previous one.” He expressed readiness to support the government if “efforts are made toward fairness and ecological progress” and on the condition that François Bayrou upholds his promises without succumbing to pressure from “the most right-leaning faction of his majority.”

A Split Within the Left

When asked about the future of the New Popular Union alliance, Hollande noted that Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s announcement of his presidential candidacy has weakened the coalition’s unity. “Each component has inevitably regained its independence,” he remarked, suggesting that the PS intends to chart its own course, leveraging its strategic role in the Assembly.