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Gaston Browne aware that 'new political entities' could form

Antigua and Barbuda PM sees recent French election as example of 'new politics'

Tuesday, 9th May 2017

Gaston Browne, prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda.

The prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda believes the results of France's presidential election is an example of what could happen in his nation.

As the presidential race closed on Sunday night, centrist Emmanuel Macron defeated far-right’s Marine Le Pen.

The margin of Macron's win – 66% to Le Pen's 34% – was larger than many French media outlets were expecting, especially for someone outside of the traditional parties.

And Prime Minister Gaston Browne is aware a potential rise in new political parties and aspiring politicians.

“The lesson is that we have to look out for an unconventional or maybe new entity that could rise to national prominence,” he said.

“I think people are fed up with the conventional parties especially those that do not deliver.”

He warned members of his ruling Antigua Barbuda Labour Party should avoid becoming complacent in appealing to new and existing voters.

“In as much as it is almost a foregone conclusion that the United Progressive Party in its present state is not viable, we should not sit on our laurels because something new could pop up that could be a formidable opponent."