The first round of parliamentary elections in France has come to a close, with the far-right National Rally leading the charge. According to exit polls, Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella’s party is predicted to receive over 34% of the vote, with the “New Popular Front” alliance of left and far-left forces in second place at 28%, and President Emmanuel Macron’s “Together” supporters in third with 20%.
In response to the results, Macron has called for a united front against the far right in the second round of elections on July 7, emphasizing the need for a broad alliance of democratic and republican forces. Le Pen, on the other hand, has urged for maximum support for the National Rally in the second round, aiming to secure an absolute majority in parliament and install Bardella as prime minister.
The National Assembly in France consists of 577 deputies, and it is anticipated that after the two rounds of elections, the National Rally will secure 230-280 mandates, the New Popular Front 125-165 seats, and Together 70-100 deputies.
Macron made a significant shift to the right following his party’s success in European Parliament elections but despite this effort it did not favor him. The National Rally evolved from Jean Marie Le Pen’s original National Front has historically been marginalized in French politics but it is noteworthy that although they initially held anti-Semitic views they have since become staunch supporters of Israel.
