The far-right National Rally party and its allies won 33% of the vote in the first round of parliamentary elections, surpassing expectations and putting them in a strong position to potentially form the country’s first ever far-right elected government. The leftwing New Popular Front alliance came in second with 28%, while President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist Together coalition reached 20%. The final results and makeup of the parliament are uncertain, with the RN’s chances of winning power depending on dealmaking by its rivals ahead of the second round.
The traditional tactic of the “republican front” to block the RN by having parties stand down candidates in favor of the strongest opposition is not guaranteed this time. However, some parties have already announced plans to withdraw candidates who came third in order to prevent the RN from gaining power. Macron has urged voters to support candidates who are “clearly republican and democratic,” but differences in ideology among parties complicate the strategy.
The election results have been seen as a blow to Macron, with his decision to dissolve parliament and call for elections backfiring. The RN’s surge represents a significant shift in French politics, with potential implications for EU negotiations and a more inward-focused French government. International politicians have expressed shock at the results, with concerns about the impact of a far-right government in France on European unity. The coming days will be critical in determining the makeup of the new parliament and the future direction of French politics.
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