Marine Le Pen’s National Rally Takes Lead in French Election
Exit polls indicate that Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally party is set to secure the highest percentage of votes in the first round of France’s parliamentary elections.
Initial results show National Rally leading with 33%, followed by the left-wing New Popular Front coalition at 28.5% and President Emmanuel Macron’s Renaissance party at 22%.
Speaking to her supporters in Henin-Beaumont, northern France, Ms. Le Pen emphasized that the outcome of the second round is crucial despite the current lead.
With a notable increase from the 2022 elections, where they achieved 18%, National Rally is now in a strong position to potentially become the dominant party in France’s lower house.
Importance of the Second Round
Ms. Le Pen urged voters to remain vigilant and mobilize ahead of the second round scheduled for 7th July to secure their success.
Supporters of Marine Le Pen, French far-right leader and far-right Rassemblement National (National Rally – RN) party candidate, celebrate after partial results in the first round of the early French parliamentary elections, in Henin-Beaumont, France
What Lies Ahead
The French parliamentary system involves elections for the 577 seats in the National Assembly, separate from the presidential vote that elected Mr. Macron.
Mr. Macron’s decision to call for an early parliamentary election was influenced by the significant setback suffered by his Renaissance party against Ms. Le Pen’s group in the European elections.
Jordan Bardella, a young leader from National Rally, has gained popularity, particularly among younger demographics through platforms like TikTok, reflecting a growing dissatisfaction with Mr. Macron.
Jordan Bardella, President of the French far-right Rassemblement National. Pic: Reuters
Potential Shifts
Mr. Bardella highlighted the desire for change evident in the recent European elections and stressed the possibility of victory in the upcoming vote on 7th July.
He cautioned against the perceived risks posed by the left-wing coalition, citing potential threats to the country’s existence under leader Jean-Luc Melenchon.
If National Rally secures the majority, there could be a historic shift requiring Mr. Macron to appoint their candidate as the prime minister, a rare occurrence in French political history.
