France's National Rally Leads First-Round Legislative Elections

Photo : AFP

French President Emmanuel Macron, who called for surprise elections just three weeks ago, has urged voters to unite against the far right. In the first round of voting, France's far-right National Rally (RN) has emerged as the leading party, potentially paving the way for a historic shift towards a far-right government, a first since World War II.

Polling projections indicate that RN secured approximately one-third of the vote in Sunday's parliamentary elections. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the leftist alliance, New Popular Front, garnered 29%, while Macron's centrist party trailed with 20.5%.

The elections determine the composition of the National Assembly, France's equivalent of the U.S. House of Representatives. Parties need to exceed 12.5% of registered voters in their constituencies to advance to the runoff on July 7 if they don't achieve a majority.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel    

Macron's decision to call for the snap election came after RN's significant victory in last month's European parliamentary elections, hoping to steer voters away from extremes. However, his strategy seemed to backfire as moderate factions shifted towards the extremes.

"The center has collapsed," noted geopolitical consultant Samantha de Bendern before the elections. Macron's move triggered a high-stakes vote, potentially plunging France into political uncertainty and jeopardizing his political legacy.

Turnout was nearly 60%, the highest for a first-round parliamentary election since 1986, according to Ipsos.

Looking ahead, the makeup of the National Assembly remains uncertain as parties regroup and form alliances before the runoff. Despite RN's strong showing, it still needs further support to secure additional seats.

A hung Parliament could lead to political deadlock, hindering legislative progress and complicating governance. Macron will be tasked with appointing a prime minister from the leading parliamentary group in the absence of a majority. However, this process could be contentious, with potential for no-confidence votes and prolonged negotiations.

The far-right RN, led by Jordan Bardella, has gained traction with promises to combat Islam, restrict immigration, and champion populist economic policies. Marine Le Pen, RN's leader, aims to position herself for the presidency in 2027.

The party has transformed under Le Pen's leadership from its extremist origins but still faces criticism for harboring racist and antisemitic sentiments among its supporters.

Political observers express concern over the implications of a far-right government for France's democracy and social cohesion. Macron, while not on the ballot, faces a diminished political mandate, likely overseeing a government with limited authority over domestic policies.

With the Olympics looming shortly after the runoff, the political landscape could overshadow France's international image, potentially impacting the event's atmosphere amidst heightened political tensions.

This election marks a critical juncture for France, signaling a potential shift towards a far-right administration and setting the stage for a tumultuous period of political negotiation and recalibration.

#trending #latest #FranceElections #NationalRally #EmmanuelMacron #FarRight #FrenchPolitics #RN #ParliamentaryElections #PoliticalTurbulence #Macron #NationalAssembly #breakingnews #worldnews #headlines #topstories #globalUpdate #dxbnewsnetwork #dxbnews #dxbdnn #dxbnewsnetworkdnn #bestnewschanneldubai #bestnewschannelUAE #bestnewschannelabudhabi #bestnewschannelajman #bestnewschannelofdubai #popularnewschanneldubai

Discover five effective ways to enhance your mental health through diet. From nutrient-rich foods and healthy gut tips to balanced blood sugar and mood-boosting...Read More.

Explore breathtaking European train journeys offering stunning vistas of Swiss Alps, Italian Riviera, Scottish Highlands, Norwegian Fjords, and Austrian Alps. D...Read More.