Marine Le Pen’s far-right Rassemblement National party takes the lead in France’s parliamentary election first round, setting the stage for a decisive second round on July 7.
Marine Le Pen’s far-right Rassemblement National party has emerged as the front-runner in the first round of France’s parliamentary elections, securing 33.14% of the vote. This strong showing puts them ahead of the left-wing New Popular Front coalition, which garnered 27.99%, and President Emmanuel Macron’s Ensemble, which includes his Renaissance party, trailing at 20.76%, as reported by France’s interior ministry.
Addressing her supporters in Henin-Beaumont, northern France, Le Pen cautioned that “nothing is won” yet and emphasized the importance of the upcoming second round. She urged voters to remain vigilant and mobilize ahead of the decisive vote on July 7.
The Rassemblement National’s performance marks a significant improvement from their 18% share in the 2022 elections, positioning them to potentially become the largest party in France’s lower house. France’s semi-presidential system, which includes both a president and a prime minister with separate powers, means these elections will determine the 577 seats in the National Assembly.
President Macron, reeling from his party’s losses to Le Pen’s anti-immigration platform in the European elections, called for an early parliamentary election. Rassemblement National’s popularity has surged, particularly among younger voters, with party leader Jordan Bardella, 29, becoming a prominent figure. Bardella, addressing supporters in Paris, highlighted the electorate’s clear desire for change and cautioned against the “dangers” posed by the second-place left-wing coalition led by Jean-Luc Melenchon.
Bardella’s message was clear: rally for victory on July 7. Should the Rassemblement National maintain its lead, Macron would be compelled to appoint Bardella as prime minister, a rare occurrence in French politics where the president and prime minister hail from different parties.
The final outcome of the two-round vote will be closely watched, with the potential for significant shifts in France’s political landscape.
(Associated Medias) – All rights reserved
