France is gearing up for the second round of voting in a closely watched election that could see the right-wing National Rally (RN) emerge as the largest party in government. The first round, held on June 30, saw only 76 out of 577 constituencies in the French National Assembly electing their representatives. Candidates who did not secure an outright majority in the first round will face off in the runoff on July 7.
The initial results revealed a significant voter shift, with RN capturing one-third of the vote, posing a challenge to the current coalition government led by French President Emmanuel Macron's Renaissance (RE) party. Despite RN's strong showing, recent polling suggests they may fall short of a clear majority in the assembly.
Projections indicate RN could secure between 190 and 220 seats, well below the 289 needed for a majority. The Republicans, RN's closest ally, are expected to win around 50 seats, making a right-wing coalition unlikely. The New Popular Front alliance is forecasted to garner between 159 and 183 seats, while Macron's ensemble is projected to secure 110 to 135 seats.
In a bid to consolidate support against RN, many candidates from Macron's alliance have withdrawn from the race, backing the strongest non-RN contender in each constituency. Former Prime Minister Edouard Phillippe announced his support for a Communist candidate to thwart RN's victory.
Prime Minister Gabriel Attal criticized the left-wing party France Unbowed (LFI), equating them with RN in terms of extremism and danger to French society. The opposition to RN stems from its controversial past under Marine Le Pen's father, Jean-Marie Le Pen, known for racist and antisemitic remarks. Marine Le Pen's anti-Islam stance has drawn both support and criticism, with her proposals for stricter measures against radicalization sparking debate.
As France braces for the runoff, the election outcome remains uncertain, with RN's potential dominance facing challenges from rival factions. The final results will shape the country's political landscape and influence future policy directions.
