The Republicans, France’s primary centre-right party, has fired its leader, Eric Ciotti.
Ciotti had said that The Republicans should form an alliance with Marine le Pen’s National Rally (NR). For many years any collaboration with the NR was taboo in French politics, but this has changed in recent years.
Following Ciotti’s call, figures in the party moved to oust him, and within 24 hours he had been removed as leader.
France goes to the polls later this month, after President Emmanuel Macron called snap legislative elections.
The Republicans used to dominate French politics along with the centre-left Socialist Party, but in recent years its support has dwindled. In the last presidential election, its candidate won 5% of the vote. In the previous legislative election held in 2022, the party won 7%.
The interim leader of the Republicans, Francois-Xavier Bellamy, told the media: ‘Forces of chaos are today threatening our country… We have a line to hold.’
Opinion polling shows that the NR is likely to be the biggest party in the French parliament after the election, but it will not secure a majority.