French President Emmanuel Macron's centrist alliance suffered a significant blow in the first round of the country's parliamentary elections, with the far-right National Rally (RN) party making substantial gains. The RN secured 33% of the vote, positioning itself as a potential contender for power and potentially becoming the first far-right party to enter the French government since World War II.
The left-wing alliance, New Popular Front, also performed well, coming in second with 28% of the vote. In contrast, Macron's Ensemble alliance trailed in third place with 21% of the vote, prompting questions about the rationale behind calling for the snap election.
With only 76 out of 577 parliamentary seats filled after the first round, the stage is set for intense political maneuvering ahead of the second round. The landscape is now divided between three rival blocs, with a record number of three-way races expected to take place on Sunday.
As candidates strategize for the runoffs, some parties are aiming to block the far-right from gaining further ground. The New Popular Front has announced plans to withdraw candidates who came in third to prevent far-right victories, while Macron's alliance remains less definitive in its approach.
The outcome of the election holds significant implications not only for France but also for Europe as a whole. The RN's euroskeptic stance and potential alliances with other far-right leaders could impact the European Union's cohesion and policies. Additionally, a shift in power towards the far-right could have repercussions on France's foreign relations, particularly concerning Russia and NATO.
As the political landscape in France remains uncertain, the upcoming second round of parliamentary elections will be closely watched both domestically and internationally. The results could determine the direction of French politics for years to come, with potential implications for President Macron's leadership and the country's position on the global stage.
