PARIS.- The most conservative wing of French politics, led by Marine Le Pen, emerged this Sunday as the dominant force in the first round of the legislative elections. According to initial estimates, the National Rally (RN) and its allies obtained more than 34% of the vote, placing it ahead of the president’s center-right forces. Emmanuel Macron and left-wing coalitions.
The result places the conservative sector in a favorable position to achieve an absolute majority in the National Assembly in the second round, which will be held on July 7. Le Pen celebrated the results in her stronghold of Hénin-Beaumont, highlighting the fall of the “Macronist bloc” in these crucial elections.
“We need an absolute majority. Such a high turnout gives particular strength to the vote,” Le Pen stressed. Thus, he asked to launch “the recovery of France.” “I ask you to join the coalition of freedom, security and fraternity. Mobilize so that the people win!” He said amid applause from his supporters.
The Macron-led alliance came a distant third with between 20.5% and 21.5% of support, while the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) coalition won between 28.5% and 29.1% of the vote, according to polls by Ifop and Ipsos.
This historic advance by the most conservative wing marks a significant change in French politics, marking the first time since World War II that this sector could dominate the French parliament. This change could have important repercussions both nationally and internationally, affecting domestic policies and France’s position on the global stage, including its relationship with the European Union and other international actors such as Russia and Ukraine.
With a remarkably high electoral participation, reaching 59.39% three hours before the polls closed, these elections reflect a deep political polarization and a significant readjustment in the French parliamentary landscape. Uncertainty persists over the final result, given the two-round majority electoral system that defines the composition of the National Assembly.
In response to the results, key political figures such as Macron and Jean-Luc Mélenchon of the NFP called for a strategy of democratic unity for the second round, seeking to avoid an absolute majority for RN and its allies. “In the face of the National Rally, the time has come for a great union, clearly democratic and republican for the second round,” the president said in an official statement.
The final outcome of these elections will be crucial in determining the political direction of France in the coming years, as well as its impact on stability and political balance in Europe.
Source: With information from AFP and Europa Press
