France is facing a potential shift towards a more conservative government following the first round of elections, where the right-wing National Rally party led by Marine Le Pen secured about 33% of the vote. The high voter turnout of nearly 68% reflected a strong desire for change among the electorate.
The leftist alliance, New Popular Front, finished second with approximately 28% of the vote, while President Emmanuel Macron's centrist group came in third with around 20%. The results indicate a significant setback for Macron, with Le Pen declaring that the French have shown a willingness to move on from what she described as years of contemptuous governance.
In response to the National Rally's surge, the left-wing coalition and Macron's centrist alliance have announced strategic moves to prevent the right-wing party from obtaining an absolute majority in the upcoming runoff elections. The withdrawal of candidates and support for opposing candidates aim to create a more balanced political landscape.
With 78 seats already secured in the National Assembly, including 38 won by the National Rally, the party is poised to have a strong presence in the parliament. However, projections suggest that it may fall short of the 289 seats required for an absolute majority.
The rise of the National Rally reflects growing concerns among French voters regarding issues such as inflation, low incomes, and perceived neglect by the political elite. Le Pen's party has capitalized on these sentiments by emphasizing immigration as a key challenge facing the country.
If the National Rally or another party secures a majority in the National Assembly, Macron will be compelled to appoint a prime minister from that faction, leading to a scenario of 'cohabitation' where divergent policies may be implemented.
Macron's decision to dissolve parliament and call for early elections following the European Parliament election defeat indicates the high stakes involved in the current political landscape. While Macron has vowed to complete his presidential term, the possibility of cohabitation poses challenges for his leadership both domestically and internationally.
