The main French right-wing party excludes its leader who wanted to ally with the far right

Photo: Joël Saget Agence France-Presse Eric Ciotti was “unanimously” excluded by the Republican political office.

France Media Agency in Paris

Published yesterday at 1:24 p.m.

• Europe

The main right-wing party in France on Wednesday excluded its leader, who had proposed an unprecedented alliance with the far right with a view to the early legislative elections, a sanction refused by the person concerned, who considers it “illegal “.

Eric Ciotti was excluded “unanimously” by the political office of the Republicans (LR), the party heir to General de Gaulle and from which several former presidents of the Republic come, indicates a party press release.

But against all odds, Mr. Ciotti, who boasts the support of activists, continues to cling to his seat, which suggests thorny legal battles, with each interpreting the party regulations to his advantage.

“I am and remain the president of our political party, elected by the members,” he immediately replied on X, deeming his exclusion “illegal”.

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In the process, the Republicans, who had 61 elected representatives in the Assembly, re-elected all their outgoing deputies for the legislative election, except Mr. Ciotti and another executive favorable to an alliance with the RN .

“There will be an LR candidate against Eric Ciotti in his constituency” of Alpes-Maritimes (south), indicated the head of LR deputies, Olivier Marleix, a decision also contested by Mr. Ciotti according to which the investiture commission has “no legal and legal existence”.

Taking a hard line on immigration, Mr. Ciotti had aroused the ire of his camp by calling for an unprecedented alliance with the National Rally (RN, far right) – which came well ahead of the European elections in France – with a view to the early legislative elections of June 30 and July 7.

This election was caused by the decision of President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday, after the debacle of his camp in the European elections , to dissolve the National Assembly.

Until now, the Republican right party in France had always refused to form a national alliance with the extreme right.

“Eric Ciotti, out: he betrayed, he betrayed for a constituency,” criticized Xavier Bertrand, party executive and former minister, on the BFMTV-RMC channel .

“There is no room for traitors and Putsch-style putsches,” said the former LR presidential candidate. Valérie Pécresse.

“When we do politics, we do not respond with agreements, coalitions, small agreements made on the sly to negotiate constituencies,” said Laurent Wauquiez, a potential right-wing option for the 2027 presidential election.

Before his fate was sealed on Wednesday, Mr. Ciotti had once again caused a stir by depriving elected officials who wanted him of access to the Paris headquarters of his party. dismiss, citing “security” reasons.

The party meeting was finally held at the social museum a few hundred meters from the headquarters.