The fall of Aleppo has revealed the splits and different lines both within and between France's different political movements. On the Right, the newly-designated candidate for next year's presidential campaign, François Fillon, has set himself apart from many of his own political camp in his support for Russia leader Vladimir Putin and even for Syrian president Bashar al-Assad. Indeed, his line has been close to that of the far-right Front National. On the other hand the ruling Socialist Party and the Greens have unhesitatingly condemned the dictatorial Syrian regime and supported the non-jihadist elements of the Syrian opposition. As for the radical left presidential candidate Jean-Luc Mélencon, he has adopted an anti-imperialist stance that has created some lively controversy.
Fall of Aleppo reveals fault lines in French politics
The end of the battle for Syria's second city and the plight of its civilians have drawn different responses from across France's political spectrum. On the Right the line taken by conservative presidential candidate François Fillon has been close to that of the far-right Front National, with his defence of the Assad regime and Vladimir Putin. The ruling Socialist Party and the Greens have emphasised their support for Syria's opposition, while the radical left presidential candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon has adopted an anti-imperialist stance, with the United States as his main target. Lénaïg Bredoux, Lucie Delaporte and Christophe Gueugneau report.
Lénaïg Bredoux, Lucie Delaporte and Christophe Gueugneau
18 December 2016 à 12h09
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