In a surprising turn of events in the French parliamentary elections, the left-wing New Popular Front has emerged as the leading party in the second round, surpassing Marine Le Pen's far-right party, as per an IPSOS estimate following the runoff elections.
The New Popular Front, a coalition of five parties, is expected to secure between 172 to 192 seats. However, to achieve an absolute majority, a minimum of 289 seats is required.
President Emmanuel Macron's party, Ensemble, has defied expectations by becoming the second-largest bloc with an estimated 150 to 170 seats.
On the other hand, Le Pen's far-right National Rally is projected to secure between 132 and 152 seats, marking a significant increase from the 89 seats it won in the previous election in 2022.
The results of the parliamentary elections indicate a notable shift in the political landscape of France, with the New Popular Front making significant gains and positioning itself as a formidable force in the country's political arena. Macron's party's strong performance also underscores its continued influence and support among voters.
As the final seat allocations are confirmed and the new parliament takes shape, the implications of these results on French politics and policies will become clearer. The distribution of seats among the different parties will play a crucial role in shaping the legislative agenda and determining the direction of the country in the coming years.