In a surprising turn of events, the left-wing New Popular Front coalition emerged as the winner of France’s snap legislative elections, with Macron’s centrist coalition coming in second. Despite failing to secure the most seats, France’s far-right National Rally (RN) leader and activists are determined to portray the defeat as a victory that sets them up well for the 2027 presidential election. The results of the election showed the NFP leading with the most projected seats, followed by Macron’s Ensemble coalition and the RN coming in third. No party or coalition managed to secure the 289 seats needed for an absolute majority, signaling a period of uncertainty in French politics.
Although the RN faced setbacks due to political alliances aimed at blocking their victories in certain constituencies, leader Jordan Bardella remains optimistic about the party’s future. Blaming the “republican front” for the defeat, Bardella emphasized the growth in their number of seats compared to before the elections were called. Despite falling short of their desired results, RN activists view the night as a victory as they doubled their number of MPs. Looking ahead, they remain hopeful for the next election cycle, stressing that their support is growing and they are becoming more credible as a political force.
The possibility of a “cohabitation” scenario where the RN would be forced to work with Macron could actually work in their favor according to political analysts. By avoiding responsibility for governing the country during the next few years, the RN may be well-positioned for the next presidential election. However, forming a coalition government with multiple parties like the Socialists and Greens could prove challenging for Macron, as France has little experience with coalition-building. The political uncertainty resulting from the election outcome may pave the way for Marine Le Pen to continue her rise in popularity and potentially win the presidency in 2027.
The RN’s status as France’s largest single political party, along with their significant representation in the European Parliament, showcases their growing influence in French politics. Bardella has expressed his determination to continue pushing for national unity and democratic change within the National Assembly and across the country, as well as in the European Parliament. Despite the obstacles faced in the recent elections, Bardella remains resolute in his belief that a new era is beginning in French politics, where the people are filled with hope for a better future. The results of the legislative elections have set the stage for a period of change and uncertainty, with the potential for significant shifts in the political landscape leading up to the 2027 presidential election.
