National Rally Party Emerges as Major Force in French Parliamentary Elections

In a surprising twist, the far-right National Rally party has emerged as a significant force in the initial round of voting for the French National Assembly. Early forecasts suggest that the party, famous for its nationalist and anti-immigrant stance, secured 34 percent of the vote. This puts it ahead of President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist Renaissance party and its allies, who managed to garner around 21 percent.

Parties' Position after First Round

While these scores do not provide a precise forecast of the number of parliamentary seats each party will secure, the National Rally is now poised to be the largest force in the lower house. However, it remains uncertain whether they will secure an absolute majority. A left-wing party coalition, named the New Popular Front, won approximately 29 percent of the vote, according to the projections.

Implications of the Election Outcome

The high turnout in this snap election, surpassing 65 percent, reflects the significance voters attach to the outcome. This result is a severe blow for President Macron, who had hoped to overturn his party's defeat to the National Rally in the recent European Parliament election.

In a statement released after the projections, Macron called for a "large, clearly democratic and republican alliance" to counter the National Rally in the second round of voting. The final round will occur on July 7 between the leading parties in each constituency.

Concerns Raised by the National Rally's Success

These preliminary results have caused worry in many European capitals, as France is a founding member of the European Union and a critical player in EU affairs. The National Rally, although no longer advocating for leaving the bloc, holds positions conflicting with EU policies. In addition, their potential rise to power raises questions about France's stance on Ukraine and its relationship with Russia.

Macron's Leadership in Question

Sunday's vote was largely perceived as a referendum on Macron's leadership. Since his election, he has faced significant backlash and has become an extremely unpopular leader. Many of his supporters are now confronting the possibility of losing their seats, leaving Macron politically isolated.

Emergence of the National Rally

The National Rally, under the leadership of Marine Le Pen and her protégé Jordan Bardella, has made significant advances in recent years. Support for the party has nearly doubled, from 19 percent in the 2017 legislative elections to 36 percent now. Their success can be attributed to their efforts to expand their appeal beyond their far-right roots.

Macron's Gamble Backfires

Macron's decision to call for snap elections was seen as a gamble, with the hope that French citizens would reject the prospect of a far-right government. However, it appears that his move has backfired, strengthening his political adversaries.

Potential Hung Parliament

The results from the first round of voting suggest that no single party has won an outright majority of seats, pointing to a potential hung parliament. This could lead to a period of political and economic uncertainty in France. Macron will remain in office until 2027 regardless of the final vote outcome, but he may face pressure to elect a new prime minister from the National Rally.

The initial round of voting in the French parliamentary elections has brought the National Rally party to the brink of power. With significant gains and a strong showing, the far-right party has positioned itself as a significant force in French politics. The final round of voting on July 7 will determine the composition of the National Assembly and will have far-reaching implications for the future of France and its role in European affairs.