French Elections: Battle to Thwart Far-Right Takeover
President Emmanuel Macron's centrist camp and the left-wing coalition in France are working to prevent the far-right National Rally from gaining control in the elections. The far-right, led by Marine Le Pen, achieved significant success in the first round, now aiming for majority in the second round. Collaboration between Macron's camp and the left-wing aims to block this, predicting a hung parliament and potential political gridlock.
PARIS: President Emmanuel Macron's centrist camp and a left-wing coalition are striving to prevent the far-right National Rally (RN) from gaining an absolute majority in the French parliamentary elections.
The RN, led by Marine Le Pen, secured a decisive victory in the first round, outperforming Macron's centrists and the New Popular Front coalition.
In the second round on July 7, 28-year-old RN leader Jordan Bardella aims to become prime minister.
Despite this, projections indicate the RN may fall short of a majority.
To counter this, Macron's camp is collaborating with the left-wing alliance, urging tactical voting to block the RN from winning 289 seats.
Prime Minister Gabriel Attal warned of 'catastrophic' consequences if the far-right gains power.
President Macron called for a broad democratic coalition against the far right.
Analysts predict a hung parliament, leading to potential political paralysis, amidst preparations for the Paris Olympic Games.
Sunday's vote saw the RN with 33 percent, New Popular Front with 28 percent, and Macron's centrists with over 20 percent.
The final composition of the 577-seat National Assembly will follow the second round.
This election marks a historical moment for France, potentially positioning the far-right government for the first time since WWII.
Such an outcome would lead to a volatile cohabitation with Macron, who remains in office until 2027.
The financial markets responded positively, hoping the RN would not secure a majority.
The election has drawn international attention, with concerns raised by leaders from Germany, Poland, and the US, while Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised the results.
The RN, led by Marine Le Pen, secured a decisive victory in the first round, outperforming Macron's centrists and the New Popular Front coalition.
In the second round on July 7, 28-year-old RN leader Jordan Bardella aims to become prime minister.
Despite this, projections indicate the RN may fall short of a majority.
To counter this, Macron's camp is collaborating with the left-wing alliance, urging tactical voting to block the RN from winning 289 seats.
Prime Minister Gabriel Attal warned of 'catastrophic' consequences if the far-right gains power.
President Macron called for a broad democratic coalition against the far right.
Analysts predict a hung parliament, leading to potential political paralysis, amidst preparations for the Paris Olympic Games.
Sunday's vote saw the RN with 33 percent, New Popular Front with 28 percent, and Macron's centrists with over 20 percent.
The final composition of the 577-seat National Assembly will follow the second round.
This election marks a historical moment for France, potentially positioning the far-right government for the first time since WWII.
Such an outcome would lead to a volatile cohabitation with Macron, who remains in office until 2027.
The financial markets responded positively, hoping the RN would not secure a majority.
The election has drawn international attention, with concerns raised by leaders from Germany, Poland, and the US, while Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised the results.
