The "Divers" (Various) designation in French politics refers to parties or candidates that do not fit neatly into the established political categories. These can include a wide array of smaller, independent, and local parties, as well as non-aligned candidates.

They are often categorized as "Divers droite" (Various right), "Divers gauche" (Various left), and "Divers centre" (Various center).

Policy Orientation:

Generally conservative, these candidates or parties focus on traditional values, national identity, and law and order. They may advocate for restrictive immigration policies and the preservation of French culture.

Representation:

Divers droite candidates may appeal to voters dissatisfied with mainstream right-wing parties like Les Républicains.

Policy Orientation:

These candidates or parties typically emphasize social justice, economic equality, and environmental sustainability. They often advocate for stronger social safety nets, progressive taxation, and enhanced workers' rights.

Representation:

Divers gauche provides an alternative for voters who feel that mainstream left-wing parties, such as the Socialist Party, do not adequately represent their views.

Policy Orientation:

Centrists in the Divers category generally support moderate policies that combine elements of both left and right ideologies. They may emphasize pragmatic solutions to economic and social issues, European integration, and balanced approaches to governance.

Representation:

These candidates cater to voters seeking a middle-ground alternative to the polarized positions of the mainstream parties.

Electoral Influence:

While Divers candidates often have limited success in national elections due to the prominence of major parties, they can have significant influence in local and regional elections. Their presence can also affect the outcomes by drawing votes away from larger parties, potentially influencing run-off scenarios in France’s two-round electoral system.

Divers droite and Divers gauche candidates are often seen in parliamentary and municipal elections, representing local issues and specific community interests.

UDI (Union of Democrats and Independents):

A center-right coalition that includes various smaller parties and independents, often aligns with Les Républicains but maintains a distinct identity and policy stance. These smaller and independent parties and candidates play a crucial role in the French political landscape, providing diversity in political representation and addressing specific local and community concerns that may be overlooked by larger parties​