The far-right National Rally (RN) party and its allies secured 33% of the national popular vote in the first round of parliamentary elections, marking a significant milestone for the party. The leftwing New Popular Front (NFP) alliance came in second with 28% of the vote, while President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist Together coalition reached 20%. These results put the RN within reach of forming the country’s first far-right elected government.
However, the final outcome of the election and the exact makeup of the parliament remain uncertain, with the RN’s chances of winning power depending on political dealmaking among its rivals. Traditionally, parties have struck agreements to back candidates most likely to defeat the RN in the runoffs, but the effectiveness of this tactical voting strategy is now in question.
The leader of the NFP alliance has called for withdrawing candidates who placed third in the first round to prevent the RN from gaining more votes. Macron has urged voters to support candidates who are “clearly republican and democratic,” but divisions within the political landscape make forming an alternative majority unlikely. The German government has expressed concern over the rise of the far right in France, warning of potential consequences for European unity.
The outcome of Sunday’s second round will determine the future political landscape in France and the potential for a far-right government, as Macron’s gamble in calling for snap elections appears to have backfired. History is being made in these elections, with the country at a crossroads in deciding its political direction.
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