Marine Le Pen’s National Rally leads first round of French Parliamentary Elections

Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally (RN) has emerged victorious in the first round of France’s parliamentary elections, marking a significant shift in the country’s political landscape.

Initial projections by the polling company Ipsos indicate the RN bloc secured 34% of the vote, positioning it ahead of the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) coalition with 28.1% and President Emmanuel Macron’s Ensemble alliance, which lagged behind at 20.3%.

The RN’s strong showing suggests they are poised to secure between 230 to 280 seats in the 577-seat National Assembly, a stark increase from their current 88 seats. Despite this, they may fall short of the 289 seats needed for an absolute majority, potentially leading to a hung parliament and prolonged political uncertainty.

Following the results, Marine Le Pen and RN’s leadership emphasized the importance of the upcoming second round of voting. Le Pen cautioned supporters that “nothing has been won,” highlighting the decisive nature of the next round.

Je remercie les électeurs de ma circonscription qui me renouvellent leur confiance en me réélisant dès le premier tour avec 58% des voix.

L’objectif désormais : obtenir dimanche prochain une majorité absolue à l’Assemblée nationale.

Merci à tous ! pic.twitter.com/w3qNdcUrLZ

— Marine Le Pen (@MLP_officiel) June 30, 2024

The left-wing NFP coalition, responding to the RN’s lead, announced plans to withdraw candidates who placed third in the first round to consolidate votes against the far-right. Leaders like Jean-Luc Melenchon of France Unbowed urged strategic voting to prevent RN from gaining further ground.

President Macron, who called for the snap elections after his party’s disappointing European Parliament results, now faces the prospect of governing alongside an opposition prime minister in a scenario known as “cohabitation.” This setup could complicate policy-making on domestic issues, potentially leading to gridlock between the presidency and parliament.

Economically, the RN’s ambitious spending pledges, including pension reforms and tax cuts, contrast with France’s high deficit and European fiscal rules.

The prospect of increased spending under a far-right government has raised concerns about financial stability and international relations, particularly regarding defence and foreign policy decisions.

The outcome will not only shape the country’s legislative direction but also determine its stance on critical domestic and international issues under potentially new leadership.

Street Protests Erupt Following First Round Results

As France prepares for the second round of parliamentary elections, scheduled for next Sunday, the political landscape remains tense.

In the face of NR’s surge in the polls during the snap election’s first round, militant activists took to the streets in protest.

In Paris, crowds set off flares, smashed shop windows, and ignited fires across the historic city, just weeks before it hosts the Olympics.

Barricades meant to control crowds were set ablaze, and protesters scaled the Place de la Republique, where the iconic statue of Marianne, symbolizing France, stands. Bins were overturned and set alight, filling the air with acrid smoke. Amid the chaos, armored police protected young women trying to enjoy their evening, while riot police deployed tear gas and firefighters battled blazes set by demonstrators.

Paris : les militants du #nouveaufrontpopulaire cassent tout sur leur passage pour protester contre le #RN.#LEGISLATIVES2024 pic.twitter.com/vCuE7FXP4W

— Fdesouche.com est une revue de presse (@F_Desouche) June 30, 2024

Speaking from her constituency of Hénin-Beaumont in northern France, Marine Le Pen, elected to parliament without a second round, expressed readiness for power.

“In democracy, nothing is healthier than political change,” said Ms Le Pen. “We need an absolute majority for Jordan Bardella to become prime minister under Emmanuel Macron.

“I urge you to join our coalition for freedom, security, and unity. No French citizen will lose their rights – hope is reignited!”