Have France's conservatives got revenge?

After years in opposition, France's right-wing Les Républicains are seeking to regain influence, particularly through the appointment of PM Michel Barnier. Former President Nicolas Sarkozy has long advocated for an alliance with Emmanuel Macron's supporters, believing that collaboration could restore the party's credibility and power. Despite this, the party's leaders have historically resisted such alliances due to resentment over Macron's perceived usurpation of their voter base and his strategic poaching of key figures from their ranks. The animosity intensified following Macron's successful recruitment of prominent members from Les Républicains, which many party leaders viewed as a betrayal. This included the controversial recruitment of Edouard Philippe as prime minister and other significant figures, which left the party feeling weakened and humiliated. The bitterness was further exacerbated by Macron's tactics during the 2022 presidential election, where he effectively undermined LR candidate Valérie Pécresse, leading to her disappointing electoral performance. As right-wing voters increasingly gravitated towards Macron, the president openly acknowledged his strategy to siphon off support from the right. This approach not only destabilized Les Républicains but also highlighted the challenges they faced in reclaiming their political standing. The party's internal divisions and external pressures have made it difficult for them to unite and present a cohesive front. In light of these developments, the appointment of Barnier may signal a potential shift for Les Républicains, as they attempt to navigate their relationship with Macron's administration while seeking to re-establish their relevance in French politics.