Glucksmann wins French center-left primary with over 66% of votes

Raphaël Glucksmann won France's center-left primary on Sunday, securing the backing of the Socialist Party and its allies for next year's presidential election, organizers said. The member of the European Parliament won the contest outright with over 66% of votes, according to Politico Europe. Le Monde reported he won 66% of the vote in a primary organized by the Socialists and their allies. He beat Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure and three other candidates in the first round.

More than 120,000 people voted on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Politico Europe reported. About 140,000 people were registered to vote, including 80,000 who paid €15 to take part but were not members of any of the parties whose candidates were running. Politico reported that this raised uncertainty over the outcome. Organizers said in a statement on Friday that the online voting platform was targeted by a cyberattack shortly after opening, but that it "was never disrupted" and "the integrity of the recorded votes has not been compromised."

Glucksmann is the leader of the small center-left Place Publique party, according to Politico Europe. Le Monde described him as a co-founder of the party. Politico reported that he entered the contest as one of the favorites and now emerges strengthened from the primary, with access to Socialist Party funds and a broader base for his candidacy.

"This result expresses something strong: that a left that is faithful to its values can unite, govern and win," Glucksmann wrote online, according to Politico Europe. "We are here to win the presidential election: Turn the page on Macronism, stop the far right and change our lives," he added.

Politico reported that Glucksmann, a supporter of Ukraine and a critic of China, now faces the challenge of beating far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon. The latest Ifop survey gave Mélenchon, head of the France Unbowed party, 14% to 17% support, compared with 11% for Glucksmann, according to Politico. Politico also reported that in recent weeks Glucksmann campaigned against forming an alliance with Mélenchon. Three other candidates ran in the primary: former minister Ségolène Royal and lawmakers Jérôme Guedj and Emmanuel Maurel.