Legislative elections in the 5th constituency: the socialist Cheama Graillat, candidate of the France from below

The road is steep, as Socrates would say, for Chamaa Graillat, the socialist candidate for the partial election in the 5th constituency of the Alpes-Maritimes on May 22 and 29.

Although the philosopher was referring to moral virtues and not democratic elections which, at that time, were not yet in vogue, isn’t going to bat for one’s ideal a moral virtue?

In any case, accepting such a difficult candidacy is a merit that should be highlighted.

Aware of the daunting task, with formidable opponents such as Marine Brenier, a product of the powerful Les Républicains stable that monopolizes political power in the area, and the National Front’s Michel Brutti riding high thanks to his party’s position in the broader context, the departmental secretary Xavier Garcia has decided to deploy new forces on the ground to prepare for the future.

“We keep our feet on the ground and we know this election is a ‘mission impossible’ but Chaama will play her cards and this experience will benefit her for the future,” he explains.

Chamaa doesn’t seem fazed by this commitment, which is unfamiliar to her. In fact, it’s her very first experience. With the innocence of the new, she is even confident: “I hope to mobilize the left electorate.”

That’s great, but which left are we talking about?

On this point, although the socialists have negotiated the withdrawal of EE-LV, who will not present a candidate, and support from the PRG, the Front de Gauche will present its candidate.

As a representative of the working class, “I’ve been working forever, since the age of 13,” she says with the pride of the humble. She is certainly not the candidate of grand speeches and lyrical flights, but one of common sense and practical problem-solving.

Moreover, the two main axes of her program show this well: more social housing (“furthermore, the current shortage promotes clientelism,” adds Xavier Garcia in good support) and balanced development of the Plaine du Var.

There remain the challenges of a part-time election campaign (Chamaa continues her job as a cleaning employee in the morning) and the weakness of the socialist network in the hinterland, while Marine Brenier has the support of all the mayors.

Additionally, with a forecasted turnout of 25 to 30% of voters, it’s not easy to fight against the organized troops of Les Républicains.

But trying is already something…