Tondelier returns from maternity leave

Marine Tondelier, leader of the Ecologists political party in France, has resumed her campaign after four weeks of maternity leave. She emphasized that she continues to lead efforts focused on both ecological issues and political unity.

Party strategy to be decided in December

The Ecologists' final strategy for the upcoming elections will not be finalized until December 13, when members will vote on whether to keep Tondelier as their candidate or replace her with another nominee. This decision comes amid internal divisions within the party.

Internal divisions and political alliances

The Ecologists are facing significant internal conflict, with some members considering aligning with Jean-Luc Mélenchon of the France Unbowed party, while others support Raphaël Glucksmann, who leads the New Ecologists of the Left. These divisions threaten to split the party further.

Tondelier struggles in the polls

Tondelier has struggled to gain support in recent opinion polls, with surveys showing she holds only 3% of the vote intentions. This is far behind Mélenchon and Glucksmann, who are each at around 15% in the polls, highlighting her difficult position in the political landscape.

Suspension and tensions within the party

Yannick Jadot, a former leader of the Ecologists, was suspended from his membership in late September for participating in Glucksmann's campaign. Some members have criticized this as the start of internal purges, increasing tensions within the party.

Tondelier's focus on unity and policy

Tondelier has stressed the importance of maintaining a strong ecologist candidacy to promote political unity ahead of the presidential election and the return of the NFP, or New French People, in legislative elections. She plans to hold bilateral discussions with all political partners to shape negotiations on the party's program, government agreements, legislative plans, and campaign structure.

Proposals on key social and environmental issues

Tondelier also intends to present her policy proposals on several key issues, including addressing loneliness, improving reproductive health, abolishing climate-related privileges, and introducing climate leave as a new social benefit.