France’s Far Right Leads in Parliamentary Elections: National Rally in Pole Position
Key Highlights
- Election Results:
- National Rally (RN): 33.2%
- Left-wing Alliance: 28.1%
- Macron Alliance: 21%
- Historic Achievement: RN, led by Marine Le Pen, wins the first round for the first time in history.
- RN’s Ambition: Party leader Jordan Bardella aims to become prime minister if RN secures enough votes in the second round.
- Political Impact:
- Potential Hung Parliament: Without an absolute majority of 289 seats, RN may struggle to push through key policies on immigration, tax cuts, and law and order.
- Macron’s Gamble: President Emmanuel Macron called the election after RN’s European election victory, aiming to stabilize the political landscape, but now faces a potential upset.
- Public Reaction:
- High Turnout: The highest participation for a parliamentary first round since 1997 indicates the election’s pivotal nature.
- Left-Wing Response: Shock and anger among left-wing voters; 32 MPs elected from the New Popular Front.
- Macron’s Stance: Prime Minister Gabriel Attal calls for a unified front against RN to prevent their absolute majority.
- Key Figures:
- Marine Le Pen: National Rally Leader
- Jordan Bardella: 28-year-old RN Party Leader
- Gabriel Attal: Prime Minister
- Jean-Luc Mélenchon: Leader of France Unbowed (LFI), part of the New Popular Front
- Next Steps:
- Second Round Crucial: The upcoming runoff votes will determine the final composition of the National Assembly and whether RN can secure the majority needed to implement its agenda.