A new list that wants to represent the Palestinians is entering the race for the European elections in June 2024.
Two months before the European elections, a new list should appear. That of the Union of French Muslim Democrats (UDMF) within a “Free Palestine Party” coalition bringing together several “independent” European parties sharing the same Muslim ethics in France, Spain, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Sweden .
For the president and founder of the party, Nagib Azergui, the objective is clear: “Fight against the contamination of far-right ideas targeting citizens of the Muslim faith” as he explained to AFP. The list should be submitted at the beginning of May. And as if to respond to certain detractors, Nagib Azergui has already rejected any accusation of communitarianism: “the UDMF is not a confessional party because we have not made the Koran the basis of our program” indicates- he.
The UDMF was created in 2012 and currently has 650 members. During the 2019 European election, she received 29,000 votes. A field campaign will be carried out among Europeans, particularly in certain working-class neighborhoods of Strasbourg and Ile-de-France. “We have very stiff competition facing us. We want to work differently” by “not being satisfied with big declarations” explains N. Azergui, in particular to stand out from La France Insoumise, which is currently credited with 8%. voting intentions according to a latest Ifop poll for Le Figaro and Sud Radio.
But then, what are the demands of this new list? First of all, a “radical change in French and European diplomacy” in particular through the establishment of sanctions against Israel, as can be read on its official website. For example, the group wants to put in place a ban on the sale of arms, a trade embargo and the exclusion of all international competition. The fight against tax evasion and discrimination is also part of the heart of the project.
What should worry the LFI list led by Manon Aubry? In fact, the UDMF is eyeing the municipal elections of 2026. “our real ambition is 2026” indicates its president in the columns of BFM. The party plans to run in three cities. LFI is not showing itself for the moment, not worried by the arrival of this new list. “The question of Gaza and international questions in general are of interest to all people who are concerned about respect for human rights. We are waiting to know what this list defends and what its program is before commenting,” indicated the LFI coordinator, Manuel Bompard at the microphone of BFMTV.