In a week, he will be taking his place in the government. Clement Beaune, Minister in charge Europe, was second in the 7th Paris constituency legislative election with 35.81% vote. Next Sunday, he will take on Nupes Caroline Mecary (40.43%) in a close contest that promises to be extremely close.
Clement Beaune was aware of the difficulty of the task when he presented himself in this stronghold for the left in Paris’ heart (straddling the 4th through 11th arrondissements). The one who appears at 40 before universal suffrage will take over the seat from Pacome Rupin (the outgoing Macronist deputy), who refused to stand again.
Caroline Mecary (a 59-year old lawyer who is known for her dedication to LGBT causes) will be the one to beat to achieve this feat. Her opponent, who was passed by EELV, is known for highlighting “youth and purchasing power as well as ecological bifurcation”.
Clement Beaune, a figure of the left wing and ex-socialist activist, will only be able win with the postponement the votes of both the far right and the right in a constituency in which the united left received 46% votes in round one of the presidential election. An Ifop poll by Sud Radio and JDD last week found that the enarque is very popular among the elderly and retired. However, his rival seduces the young, working class and senior executives.
The same survey shows Caroline Mecary is slightly ahead in the second round. She is tied with the minister-candidate at 51% to 49%. Clement Beaune would be severely affected if he loses. Emmanuel Macron warned that all ministers who were defeated in the legislative elections would have to quit the government.
Clement Beaune, in the event of victory would stay in the executive, but would be replaced by Clara Chassaniol at the Palais Bourbon, his deputy and parliamentary collaborator Pacome Rupin. His political future can be decided by 300 votes, as the Minister for Europe stated a few days back.