THE FRENCH MUNICIPAL AND EUROPEAN ELECTIONS, 2014

Abstract

© 2014, McDougall Trust, London. This article examines the 2014 French municipal and European elections, which were effectively mid-term contests for President François Hollande and the Socialist Party, held in the context of a poor economic situation and low levels of popularity for the president and his government. The municipal election was won by the main opposition party, the UMP, while the extreme right Front National emerged as the leading party in the European contest. The Socialists were heavily defeated in both elections. In the wake of these contests both the Socialists and the UMP are facing significant problems (leadership, strategy and voter confidence), while the FN has strengthened its position as a significant third force in party competition.