The far-right National Rally (RN) party, led by Marine Le Pen, has secured historic gains in the first round of France’s parliamentary election, signaling a significant shift in the country’s political landscape.
Official results released by the interior ministry on Monday showed the RN and its allies capturing 33 percent of the vote. A left-wing bloc followed with 28 percent, while President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist party garnered just 20 percent. This outcome marks a considerable setback for Macron, who had called for a snap election after his party faced defeats in the European Parliament elections last month.
Runoff Decisions Aim to Counter RN Surge
In a bid to prevent the RN from consolidating power, leaders of both the left-wing New Popular Front and Macron’s Renaissance party announced plans to withdraw their candidates in hundreds of districts. This strategic move is intended to bolster support for candidates best positioned to defeat the RN in the runoff elections scheduled for next Sunday.
The RN’s ascent reflects growing voter dissatisfaction with Macron’s administration, concerns over the rising cost of living, and heightened apprehension about immigration. Marine Le Pen has worked to rebrand the party, attempting to distance it from its historical associations with racism and antisemitism.
Market Reactions and Economic Policies
French markets responded positively to the election results, rallying after the RN’s support came in slightly below some opinion polls’ predictions. While the RN has moderated some of its populist economic policies, such as its stance on income tax exemptions for under-30s, it remains committed to lowering energy prices, though specific plans have not been detailed.
“I think it’s a slight ‘Well, there were no surprises’, so there was a sense of relief there,” commented Fiona Cincotta, senior markets analyst at City Index.
Calls for Center-Right Support
RN lawmakers are urging politicians from the center-right Republicans (LR) party, which received less than 7 percent of the first-round vote, to step aside in districts where their withdrawal could favor RN candidates. Laure Lavalette, an RN lawmaker, called on LR candidates to “stand down and let the national side win” if they recognize they cannot secure victory.
The Republicans have not yet indicated their stance on this appeal. The party, which experienced internal divisions ahead of the vote, has until Tuesday evening to confirm whether their candidates will participate in the second round.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
