The results of the parliamentary elections in France indeed show significant gains for Marine Le Pen’s National Rally (RN), positioning them strongly in French politics.
The RN’s 33.1% of the vote marks a substantial lead, followed by a left-wing alliance at 28%, and President Macron’s camp trailing at 20.76%.
This outcome suggests a major shift in France’s political landscape, with implications for future governance and policy directions.
“I aim to be prime minister for all the French people, if the French give us their votes,” said 28-year-old RN party leader Jordan Bardella.
The first-round victory for Marine Le Pen’s National Rally in the French parliamentary elections marks a historic shift, as the far right has never before led in this stage of the elections.
Veteran commentator Alain Duhamel underscores this significance, noting that achieving an absolute majority of 289 seats in the 577-seat National Assembly remains the goal for Le Pen and Jordan Bardella.
However, seat projections for the upcoming second-round run-off votes indicate they may face challenges in reaching that majority.
The outcome of the second round will be crucial in determining the final composition of the National Assembly and the future direction of French politics.
The current political landscape in France, following the first round of parliamentary elections, highlights significant shifts and challenges.
Marine Le Pen’s National Rally (RN) achieved a historic first-round victory, positioning them to potentially lead a hung parliament if they fall short of an absolute majority in the second round. This outcome could hinder RN’s plans on immigration, tax cuts, and law enforcement.
President Macron called these elections in response to RN’s strong showing in previous European elections, seeing it as a necessary move despite not being required.
The high voter turnout of 66.7%, the highest for a first-round parliamentary vote since 1997, underscores the election’s pivotal nature and rapid three-week campaign.
As of now, 37 RN MPs have secured seats with over half the vote, while the left-wing New Popular Front has also made significant gains. This has stirred reactions across the political spectrum, with hundreds gathering in Paris to protest RN’s success.
Macron’s response has been to call for a broad democratic alliance for the second round, reflecting the intense political contest ahead.
“Not a single vote must go to the National Rally,” he declared. “The stakes are clear – to prevent the National Rally from having an absolute majority.”
“One thing is for sure,” said Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the abrasive leader of France Unbowed (LFI), ” Mr Attal won’t be prime minister any longer.”
The leader mentioned here, likely representing the most radical faction within the New Popular Front, aligns with the prime minister’s stance against the National Rally (RN).
This sentiment underscores a unified front among left-wing parties to prevent further gains by RN in the upcoming second round of parliamentary elections.
The close competition between RN and the New Popular Front indicates a tense and closely watched political environment in France.
The journey of the National Rally (formerly National Front) has indeed been notable, evolving from its origins on the extreme-right fringe to now commanding significant support from one-third of French voters.
Led by Marine Le Pen, who is seen as a charismatic figure, the party’s platform includes diverse policies such as banning mobile phones in classrooms, reducing taxes on energy, and proposing changes to social benefits for foreigners.
With their strong showing in recent elections and potential influence in forming the next government, the National Rally’s rise reflects broader shifts in French political sentiment and priorities.
“People aren’t happy when there’s insecurity on the streets,” a voter called Patrick said in one of RN’s potential new strongholds east of Paris.
“Victory is in sight,” said Eric Ciotti, a conservative leader who split his Republican party and formed an alliance with National Rally that he called “unprecedented and historic”.
France is detailing uncharted political waters following a strong showing by Marine Le Pen’s National Rally (RN) in parliamentary elections. There’s a possibility RN could achieve an absolute majority, but a hung parliament where RN holds the most seats is more likely.
The New Popular Front also stands to gain, benefiting from broad voter support. With many constituencies facing two-way or three-way run-offs, the crucial decision lies with third-placed candidates who may withdraw to block RN from winning seats.
This strategic voting will heavily influence France’s political landscape moving forward.
Prime Minister Attal emphasized that in “several hundred” constituencies, his party’s candidates are best positioned to block the National Rally (RN) from gaining power. He described it as a moral obligation to prevent the far-right from implementing what he termed a disastrous agenda for the country.
Centrist candidates who placed third in their constituencies are expected to step aside in favor of Socialist, Green, or Communist rivals if they have a better chance of defeating the RN.
However, there are exceptions, such as one Macron candidate who withdrew to support a candidate from Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s party, highlighting a strategic move against common political adversaries.
Jean-Luc Mélenchon affirmed that his party would withdraw in constituencies where they are in third place to block the RN from winning.
This sentiment echoes former President François Hollande’s statement that there is an imperative duty to ensure the far-right does not gain a majority in the Assembly.
