An IMGW News Report
France’s far-right Rassemblement National (RN), led by Marine Le Pen, has surged ahead in the initial round of parliamentary elections, placing President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist alliance unexpectedly in third place. According to projections by Ifop, RN secured 34.5% of the vote, followed by the left-wing Nouveau Front Populaire alliance at 28.5% and Macron’s Ensemble alliance at 22.5%.
Despite strategic withdrawals by rival candidates, RN remains confident of achieving an outright majority in the upcoming July 7 second round, which is expected to feature multiple three-way run-offs.
The election outcome holds significant implications as it potentially paves the way for RN to form a government and appoint a prime minister. However, securing an absolute majority in the 577-seat National Assembly is crucial for RN’s definitive victory. Macron’s decision to call for snap polls, prompted by a previous electoral setback against RN in European Parliament elections, now risks diminishing his alliance’s parliamentary strength and weakening his presidency for the remainder of his term. Projections from various polling firms vary, with some indicating a potential RN majority, while others foresee a more uncertain outcome.
In response to the electoral landscape, Macron has urged for a united opposition against the far-right in the upcoming run-off votes. The election witnessed a notable surge in voter turnout, underscoring the nation’s divided political landscape amid global tensions and economic challenges. Despite Macron’s efforts to mitigate RN’s rise, support for the anti-immigration and eurosceptic party has intensified, reflecting deep-seated political divisions within French society.
Local concerns among both citizens and migrants about the rise of the far-right have added to the election’s significance. Many fear that an RN-led government could exacerbate social divisions and undermine France’s traditional values of inclusivity and multiculturalism.
As France faces a pivotal moment, the second round will determine whether RN can secure the majority needed to reshape the country’s political future. For many voters, the election represents a critical choice amidst uncertainties about France’s direction and stability in the years ahead.
Meanwhile, the Paris stock exchange suffered its biggest monthly decline in two years in June, dropping by 6.4 percent, according to figures released on Friday.
Possible Impact on Migration Policies
If you find this IMGW news report of interest, we suggest you read also the following articles:
- The Rise of France’s Far-Right: Immigration Policies and Jordan Bardella’s Vision for National Rally
- Investment Migration: Rising Concerns for Caribbean Nations Amid Far-Right and Anti-Migration Gains in the US and EU