French political discourse is experiencing heightened tension as former Prime Ministers Gabriel Attal and Elisabeth Borne engage in public disagreements over education policies, particularly in the context of school harassment.

On May 8, Attal, who previously held the position of Minister of National Education, released a video regarding a protest by educators at a high school in Saint-Tropez.

This demonstration was sparked by the re-admittance of two students previously expelled for harassment-related incidents.

Attal's video encouraged followers to question Borne, who currently oversees the Ministry of National Education, about her policies.

In response, Borne highlighted the anti-bullying initiatives she launched during her tenure as Prime Minister and implied that Attal merely implemented those policies without providing original contributions.

This clash, characterized by both individuals’ backgrounds in education ministerial roles, reflects deeper rifts and personal rivalries within the ruling Renaissance party.

Previously, the two leaders had competed for party leadership, with Borne's withdrawal from the race in favor of Attal creating a foundation for ongoing tensions.

Noteworthy is the disappearance of a comment Borne made on Attal’s Instagram post, raising questions about the dynamics between their communications teams, both of whom have denied involvement in removing the comment.

Alongside these internal disputes, the political landscape in France is also marked by the upcoming partial legislative elections in Saône-et-Loire.

The La France Insoumise party, led by Manuel Bompard, is backing candidate Fatima Kouriche, amid a backdrop of divided support from the local Socialist Party.

Previous electoral agreements among leftist parties appear to be fraying, with local Socialist members opting to support a different candidate, Clément Mugnier.

This internal division signals a potential shift in political alliances ahead of critical legislative contests while reflecting broader challenges faced by left-leaning parties.

On May 8, France also commemorated the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe.

President Emmanuel Macron participated in ceremonies, including a wreath-laying at the Arc de Triomphe.

The celebration, though significant, was criticized for not including foreign heads of state, as the event was deemed an exclusive national affair by the French government.

The commemorative messages emphasize democratic values and the fight against rising antisemitism, particularly in light of contemporary global challenges.

In Parliament, significant legislative discussions took place ahead of the May 8 holiday.

A transpartisan proposal to regulate the installation of healthcare practitioners was passed, encountering opposition from the government, while a separate bill targeting antisemitism and racism in higher education was adopted following robust debate.

However, significant disciplinary actions were taken against two parliamentarians accused of misusing expenses, resulting in sanctions that highlighted ongoing issues of ethics within legislative bodies.

In overseas affairs, the minister for overseas territories faced setbacks in negotiations aimed at fostering stability in New Caledonia, as discussions with both independence and loyalist factions concluded without consensus.

As political stakes rise domestically, the repercussions of these discussions are expected to influence regional governance moving forward.

As the political landscape continues to evolve before the upcoming legislative elections and amid commemorative events, tensions within party ranks and overarching governance challenges appear indicative of broader political currents shaping France's future.