In the 11th constituency for French citizens abroad, a partial legislative election resulted in a left-wing candidate's victory amid high abstention rates. The event highlights divisions within the French left. The outcomes underscore challenges for left-wing parties among expatriate communities.
The partial legislative election in the 11th constituency, covering North Africa, the Middle East, and sub-Saharan Africa, took place on September 28 and 29, 2025. It was triggered by the resignation of the former deputy, Pierre-Yves Le Borgn', elected in 2022 under the Renaissance label.
The New Popular Front candidate, Julien Odoul, won the runoff with 52% of the votes against a right-wing opponent. According to Le Monde, abstention reached 78%, a record reflecting expatriates' disinterest in French politics. 'It's a Pyrrhic victory for the left, which gains a seat but loses in mobilization,' comments an analyst quoted in the article.
This result comes amid left-wing fragmentation following the 2024 legislative elections. Parties, divided between socialists, greens, and left-wing rebels, struggle to unite abroad where migration and economic issues differ. The constituency has about 200,000 registered voters, but only 22,000 voted in the first round.
For left-wing parties, this election is a lesson: it shows the need for a unified strategy to regain expatriates, often more liberal on social issues. Julien Odoul stated: 'We must better listen to French citizens abroad to strengthen our ties.' Observers note that without this fragile union, the right could have won, as in 2017 in other constituencies.
The implications extend to upcoming deadlines, where the left must overcome divisions to avoid further setbacks. This event, though marginal, illustrates broader dynamics of French politics internationally.