Far right leads first round of France’s parliamentary election in blow to Macron
- In Reports
- 08:59 PM, Jul 01, 2024
- Myind Staff
Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally (RN) party emerged as the leader in the first round of France’s parliamentary elections on June 30th, positioning it closer to the corridors of power than ever before.
Following a notably high turnout, the RN bloc secured 33.15% of the vote, while the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) coalition came in second with 27.99%. President Emmanuel Macron’s Ensemble alliance, however, experienced a significant setback, finishing in a disappointing third place with 20.76% of the vote, according to final results released by the Interior Ministry on July 1st.
While the RN seems poised to secure the most seats in the National Assembly, it may not reach the 289 seats needed for an absolute majority. This situation suggests that France could be headed towards a hung parliament, leading to increased political uncertainty.
Projections indicate that after the second round of voting next Sunday, the RN is expected to secure between 230 and 280 seats in the 577-seat lower house—a significant increase from its current count of 88 seats in the outgoing parliament. The NFP is projected to win between 125 and 165 seats, while Macron's Ensemble alliance is expected to trail behind with between 70 and 100 seats.
In the first round of voting, a total of 76 candidates were elected to France’s parliament, with 39 representing RN and its allies, 32 from the NFP, and just two from Macron’s alliance, as reported on July 1st. The election, called by Macron following his party's defeat by the RN in the recent European Parliament elections, may force him to govern the remainder of his presidential term in a potentially uneasy coalition with a prime minister from an opposition party.
The RN's election party in the northern town of Henin Beaumont erupted in celebration upon hearing the results. However, Marine Le Pen emphasised the importance of the upcoming second round of voting next Sunday, highlighting its critical nature.
"Democracy has spoken, and the French people have placed the National Rally and its allies in the first place – and practically erased the Macronist bloc," Marine Le Pen declared to a jubilant crowd. She added, "Nothing has been won – and the second round will be decisive."
At the RN's headquarters in Paris, Jordan Bardella, the party's 28-year-old leader, echoed Le Pen's sentiments in his speech. "The vote taking place next Sunday is one of the most decisive in the entire history of the Fifth Republic," Jordan Bardella emphasized.
Prior to the first round, Bardella asserted that he would not lead a minority government, which would necessitate RN relying on allies' votes to pass legislation. If the RN does not achieve an absolute majority and Bardella maintains his stance, Macron could potentially be compelled to seek a prime minister from the far left or another political spectrum to form a technocratic government.
Image Source: Money Control
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