French parliamentary elections take an unexpected turn: Left wing alliance leads
- In Reports
- 10:31 PM, Jul 08, 2024
- Myind Staff
In an unexpected outcome, an alliance of left-wing parties won the most seats in France's parliamentary elections, official results revealed on Monday. This result marked a big defeat for Marine Le Pen's National Rally party, as voters rallied against her far-right policies.
The New Popular Front, a coalition of leftist groups led by Jean-Luc Mélenchon, secured 182 seats in the 577-seat National Assembly. President Emmanuel Macron's centrist bloc followed with up to 168 seats. The National Rally party came third with 143 seats. An absolute majority requires 289 seats.
"The president has to bow and admit this is a defeat," Mélenchon declared on Sunday.
The election occurred amidst widespread concerns over immigration, crime, and inflation, which have intensified as the Paris Olympic Games approach in less than three weeks.
"This vote is about putting France back on the right track," said Jonathan Rodrigues, a 29-year-old butcher from Seine-et-Marne, who supports the National Rally. He criticised Macron's government as a "total farce."
A week earlier, the National Rally had achieved historic gains in the first round of voting, which increased the possibility of France's first far-right government since World War II. The party's roots trace back to France's pro-Nazi Vichy regime. However, in the second round, voters rallied behind the New Popular Front to block a far-right government. The National Rally is co-led by Le Pen and her 28-year-old protégé, Jordan Bardella, who was poised to become prime minister.
Bardella condemned the "unnatural" and "dishonourable alliance" that prevented a National Rally victory, saying, "Tonight, these alliances throw France into the arms of the far-left of Jean-Luc Mélenchon."
Le Pen has criticised EU policies on various issues, from agriculture to border security, and argued that NATO has destabilised relations with Russia. She has praised Russian President Vladimir Putin and endorsed Donald Trump in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. French media have investigated her financial ties to Moscow, which she denies. The election could result in a hung Parliament, where the New Popular Front holds the most seats but lacks a majority, forcing it to form ad-hoc coalitions to pass laws.
Macron's seven-year tenure, which features pro-business policies and efforts to reform public services and welfare, has faced significant backlash. Despite international recognition for his diplomatic efforts regarding Ukraine, Macron's domestic reforms, including changes to retirement age and residency tests, have angered many.
Jean-Yves Camus, an expert on far-right politics at the French Institute for International and Strategic Affairs, noted that Macron's perceived elitism has alienated many voters. Bardella accused Macron of pushing France towards "uncertainty and instability," asserting that a "wind of hope" had begun and "will never stop blowing."
Macron, whose term ends in 2027, has ruled out resignation despite the election setback.
Image source: AFP
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