Pascal Canfin resigns from Macron's party over disagreements

Pascal Canfin, a prominent Member of the European Parliament (MEP), has resigned from his leadership position in Emmanuel Macron's political party, Renaissance, due to significant disagreements over the party's direction. His resignation follows the political turmoil in France after the summer snap elections, where Macron's party struggled to maintain a stable government. Canfin expressed his concerns in a letter, criticizing Macron for his political choices that he believes have empowered the far-right National Rally party. He specifically pointed to the appointment of Michel Barnier as prime minister, arguing that it has led to a government reliant on the support of the National Rally, which poses risks for the political landscape in France. Canfin's departure highlights the internal conflicts within Renaissance, especially regarding the party's alignment with right-wing politics. He had previously advocated for collaboration with the left-wing New Popular Front coalition, which emerged as a significant force in the recent elections. However, Macron's refusal to appoint a leftist prime minister, citing the lack of an absolute majority, has further alienated some party members like Canfin. Despite his resignation from the leadership role, Canfin intends to remain part of the Renaissance group in the European Parliament, indicating that he still values his position within the broader European political framework. His actions reflect a growing discontent among some party members regarding the current political strategy and its implications for the future of Renaissance. This situation underscores the challenges Macron faces in governing a fragmented political landscape, where alliances with far-right factions may compromise the party's original values and objectives.