“If we add the scores of our two lists, we are in front of Christelle Morancais”, launched, as if to reassure himself, Matthieu Orphelin, in the introduction of his press conference. The ecologist came to Nantes to formalize its merger with the list of socialist Guillaume Garot concluded at the end of the first round of regional elections on Sunday evening.
In this ballot marked by historic abstention, the environmentalist deputy obtained 18.7% of the vote, while the former socialist minister totaled 16.3%. Enough to hope to beat the outgoing president of the regional council, Christelle Mor Anglais (LR), in the lead with 34.2%. But that’s not counting the potential vote carryovers, which seem favorable to the right.
“Convince the abstainers”
“Of course we want to bring together the voters on the left. But I am convinced that we can go further. And even convince the abstainers. The situation becomes clearer in the second round. It can encourage people to go and vote, ”says Guillaume Garot. “We want to mobilize widely. We have only one desire: to seek victory next Sunday, ”insists Matthieu Orphelin, the leader of the new list.
On the merits, the two candidates presented a list of “25 commitments for Pays-de-la-Loire”, which bring together their “strong measures”: a billion euros of investment in ecological transition, an anti – bankruptcy, the employment of 180 doctors and nurses for medical deserts, 50,000 contracts for reconversion projects, support for local agriculture, a sports license at 10 euros for 15-25 year olds… Only free TER trains and Aléop coaches for 18-26 year olds, Guillaume Garot’s flagship measure, has been reduced to a simple “experiment”. “The discussions were serene and fluid”, assures the Mayenne who sees in these commitments a “strong, ambitious, serious project”.
“I hope it will inspire other regions”
The composition of the list, it was carried out proportional to the votes of the first round. It therefore maintains a place in La France insoumise, a partner of Matthieu Orphelin not really desired by Guillaume Garot. “I respect the voters’ choice,” reacts the Socialist.
If it does not surprise anyone as it had been “announced for a long time”, this union of the left between the two towers is the first of the French regions. “I hope it will inspire other regions,” says Matthieu Orphelin. Together we will win the left. “
Find here all the results of the elections in Pays-de-la-Loire