The first round of France’s parliamentary elections has delivered a shocking blow to President Emmanuel Macron as Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally (RN) party emerged victorious. With an unprecedented turnout, the RN secured 33.15% of the vote, overshadowing the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) coalition and Macron’s Ensemble alliance.
RN’s Historic Performance
Marine Le Pen’s National Rally (RN) achieved a historic milestone by clinching 33.15% of the vote in the first round of France’s parliamentary elections. This victory positions RN closer to power than ever before. The left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) coalition followed with 27.99%, while President Macron’s Ensemble alliance lagged with 20.76%, according to the Interior Ministry’s final results.
Projections and Political Uncertainty
Despite RN’s impressive performance, it may fall short of the 289 seats needed for an absolute majority, leading to potential political uncertainty. Projections suggest RN might win between 230 and 280 seats in the 577-seat lower house after the second round of voting. The NFP is expected to secure between 125 and 165 seats, with Ensemble trailing with 70 to 100 seats.
Reactions and Celebrations
The RN election party in Henin Beaumont erupted in celebration as results were announced. Marine Le Pen remarked, “Democracy has spoken, and the French people have placed the National Rally and its allies in first place – and has practically erased the Macronist bloc.” She emphasized the importance of the upcoming second round, stating, “Nothing has been won – and the second round will be decisive.”
Anti-Far Right Protests
Following the results, anti-far right protests erupted in Paris and Lyon. Approximately 5,500 people gathered in Paris’s Place de la Republique, with demonstrators setting off fireworks as they marched through the city. BFMTV reported the deployment of 200 police officers in Lyon to manage the protests.
The Cordon Sanitaire
Centrist and left-wing parties now face a week of political bargaining to prevent the RN from winning a majority. Historically, left-wing and centrist parties have united to block the RN under the “cordon sanitaire” principle. Jean-Luc Melenchon, leader of France Unbowed, declared, “Our instruction is clear – not one more vote, not one more seat for the National Rally.”
Macron’s Gamble
Macron’s decision to call a snap election, France’s first since 1997, surprised the nation and his allies. Held three years earlier than necessary, this election follows Macron’s Renaissance party’s defeat in the European Parliament elections. Macron, who pledged to complete his term until 2027, may now face appointing an opposition party prime minister in a rare “cohabitation” arrangement.
Constitutional and Financial Implications
The potential for a far-right government raises concerns of a constitutional and financial crisis. RN leader Jordan Bardella has ruled out supporting Ukraine against Russia, conflicting with Macron’s stance. Additionally, RN’s spending plans could exacerbate France’s deficit, leading to fears of a financial crisis similar to that of Liz Truss in the UK.
As France heads to the second round of voting, the political landscape remains uncertain. Macron urged his supporters to rally, stating, “Faced with the National Rally, the time has come for a broad, clearly democratic and Republican rally for the second round.” The outcome will determine France’s future political direction and stability.
