Marine Tondelier, Green Party's French presidential candidate, says she may withdraw if a left victory path is achievable, emphasizing ecology and unity.
Tondelier considers withdrawal if left unites
Marine Tondelier, the Green Party candidate for the French presidential election, said on Monday that she might step down from the race if a path to victory for the left becomes possible through other means. She emphasized that she has long focused her campaign on ecology and unity, but stressed that her campaign must remain independent.Conditions for continuing the campaign
Tondelier outlined specific conditions for continuing her candidacy, including agreements on government formation, legislative elections, a shared program, and campaign coordination. She is currently a candidate and will make a final decision on December 13 after internal discussions.Ecology as a key issue
Tondelier has pushed for a united left for months, believing her candidacy is essential to bring ecology to the forefront of the election. She noted that her left-wing rivals, Jean-Luc Mélenchon and Raphaël Glucksmann, are not against ecology but do not prioritize it in their campaigns.Internal divisions within the Greens
The Green Party is split over strategy, with some members urging support for Mélenchon, the leader of La France insoumise, who is currently leading left-wing polls. Others, like senator Yannick Jadot, advocate for backing Glucksmann, the social-democratic candidate. Some members want an independent ecological candidacy instead.Unity as a challenge
Tondelier stressed that without unity across the left, the presidential election would start poorly. She noted that unity seems distant, as Glucksmann has broken with Mélenchon and La France insoumise. She questioned how Mélenchon and Glucksmann could convince ecological members of the Greens if they cannot convince the general public.Greens prepare for multiple candidates
Tondelier expressed regret that the left had not held a primary or unified earlier, saying "no one will win alone." She concluded that the Greens would be responsible for supporting several candidates if needed to ensure a strong showing against the far right.
