Moscow, Russia – July 8, 2024: The Kremlin has tempered expectations of a thaw in Franco-Russian relations following the recent parliamentary elections in France. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, in a statement on Monday, indicated that Moscow harbors “no particular hope” for an improvement in diplomatic ties with Paris in the near future.
Peskov highlighted the lack of “clearly expressed political will” from any French political factions to restore bilateral relations that have been strained in recent years. This sentiment comes in the wake of France’s snap parliamentary election, which saw significant shifts in the political landscape but failed to produce a clear majority.
The first round of voting in June had placed the far-right National Rally (RN) party, led by Marine Le Pen, in a favorable position, leading many to speculate about its potential to secure a majority in the National Assembly. However, the final results on Sunday revealed a different outcome. The leftist New Popular Front alliance emerged as the largest bloc, followed by President Emmanuel Macron’s Ensemble alliance, relegating RN to third place.
“There is a certain drift in the preferences of French voters, a drift that is difficult to predict, but we will continue to watch with great interest the process of forming a government,” Peskov remarked, reflecting on the election’s unexpected results.
The National Rally, despite its recent emphasis on supporting Ukraine, is often viewed by Western observers as having a conciliatory stance towards Moscow. This perception is rooted in the party’s historical position on various geopolitical issues, including its opposition to EU sanctions on Russia.
In the aftermath of RN’s strong performance in the initial round, Russia’s Foreign Ministry posted a congratulatory message on X (formerly Twitter), featuring a triumphant Marine Le Pen. The post read, “The people of France are seeking a sovereign foreign policy that serves their national interests and a break from the dictate of Washington & Brussels,” signaling Moscow’s endorsement of RN’s foreign policy stance.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also weighed in on the election, criticizing the joint efforts by left-wing and centrist parties to prevent a far-right majority. Lavrov characterized these efforts as “designed precisely to manipulate the will of the voters.” He suggested that a parliament formed based on the first-round results would have ushered in significant changes in French policy, potentially more favorable to Russia.
The election outcome has left France without a clear governing majority, leading to a complex and potentially protracted process of coalition-building. As the French political landscape continues to evolve, Moscow’s position remains one of cautious observation. The Kremlin’s statements underscore the challenges ahead for any rapprochement between France and Russia amidst a backdrop of shifting alliances and geopolitical tensions.
While the French political scene stabilizes, it remains to be seen how the new parliamentary configuration will impact France’s foreign policy and its relationship with Russia. For now, the Kremlin appears resigned to a status quo, with little optimism for a significant diplomatic breakthrough.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members