The far-right National Rally has emerged as a dominating force in the first round of French legislative elections, securing around a third of the vote and positioning itself as France’s leading party. Jordan Bardella, leader of the RN, emphasized the desire for change among the French people, as the party is on track to secure a significant number of seats in the National Assembly. Despite this, reaching an absolute majority may still be a challenge for RN, as it falls slightly short of the required 289 seats. Bardella’s victory speech highlighted his commitment to being a prime minister for all of France and an advocate for unity and dialogue.
In his speech, Bardella took aim at the centrist coalition of President Emmanuel Macron and the left-wing NFP alliance, criticizing their policies and leadership. He positioned RN as an alliance driven by national interest and pledged to focus on issues such as boosting purchasing power, restoring order and security, and controlling migration. Bardella’s rhetoric painted a stark contrast between his party’s platform and what he deemed as dangerous policies proposed by the left and center in France. Despite the harsh criticisms, Bardella emphasized his commitment to representing the rights and freedoms of all French citizens.
Marine Le Pen, the former leader of the RN, also addressed supporters after the first round results were announced. She highlighted the party’s success in challenging the Macronist bloc and securing a significant presence in the National Assembly. Le Pen called on RN voters to remain mobilized and emphasized the importance of the upcoming second round of elections in shaping the future of France. Both Bardella and Le Pen stressed the need for a clear majority to ensure effective governance and the implementation of policies aimed at revitalizing the country.
The path to an absolute majority for the far-right party may face obstacles due to a potential “republican withdrawal” strategy employed by left-wing parties. In an effort to prevent the splitting of the anti-RN vote, left-wing parties have announced their intent to withdraw third-place candidates in certain constituencies. This coordinated effort could pose a challenge for RN in securing the necessary seats to reach an absolute majority in the National Assembly. President Macron has also called for a democratic and republican rally in the second round of elections to counter the rise of the National Rally and ensure a united front against far-right ideologies.
The first round results of the legislative elections have set the stage for a pivotal second round, where the fate of the National Assembly and the future direction of French politics will be decided. The dominance of the far-right National Rally has raised concerns among opponents, who fear the implications of a significant presence of RN members in the legislature. The upcoming campaign will likely see heightened tensions and intense competition as parties vie for control and influence in shaping the course of French governance. As voters prepare to cast their ballots in the final round, the outcome remains uncertain, with the potential for significant shifts in the political landscape of France.
