Ecology Democracy Solidarity


Ecology Democracy Solidarity is a centre-left parliamentary group in the National Assembly of France. It was formed in May 2020 by members of La République En Marche!, a liberal parliamentary group.

History

On May 8 2020, Ecology Democracy Solidarity was announced as a new parliamentary group, planned to launch on 1 June 2020. At the time, it was said to have 58 members, but the anticipated number fell to 20 after intense pressure on potential defectors to stay in the La République En Marche group.
The group was officially formed on 19 May 2020 with 17 deputies, seven of which directly defected from La République En Marche! whereas nine had previously left it or been expelled from it. Delphine Batho, president of Ecology Generation and first elected as a Socialist Party deputy, also joined the group. The party's co-presidents were announced as Paula Forteza and Matthieu Orphelin, with Cédric Villani and Delphine Batho serving as vice-presidents.
Although La République En Marche! held a 313 deputies and a majority in the National Assembly after the 2017 French legislative election, previous defections had reduced their numbers and the formation of Ecology Democracy Solidarity left La République En Marche! with 288 seats, one short of a majority, although the governing coalition still held a majority. The group said it would be "independent" and sit "neither in the majority nor in the opposition".

Policy

The group launched with a 15-point manifesto, covering several green issues and inequality. Policies included a €5bn of funding for local authorities to use on green or social projects, tax reform and the possible restoration of France's wealth tax, a universal basic income, protection of animal rights, a constitutional commitment to climate preservation and biodiversity, compulsory paternity leave and the "reshoring" of industries in France and Europe.

Historical membership

Members

The group's members are: