Far-Right Gains in French Legislative Elections Challenge Macron's Rule
France's far-right National Rally party won the first round of legislative elections, challenging President Macron's centrist alliance, which fell to third place. Projections indicate that despite the surge, the RN may not secure an absolute majority in the National Assembly. President Macron called for a broad coalition to prevent the RN from gaining power.
France's far-right National Rally (RN) party, led by Marine Le Pen, achieved a historic first-round victory in the legislative elections, placing it in contention to form a government and appoint Jordan Bardella as prime minister.
President Emmanuel Macron's centrist alliance fell to third place, raising concerns about securing a governing majority in the National Assembly after the July 7 second round.
Projections suggest the RN's seat count will fall short of the 289 needed for an absolute majority, with estimates ranging from 230-310 seats.
Macron called for a broad coalition against the far right to prevent the RN from gaining power.
High voter turnout at 65 percent reflected the political stakes.
The situation risks political paralysis and impacts Macron's international leadership role.
President Emmanuel Macron's centrist alliance fell to third place, raising concerns about securing a governing majority in the National Assembly after the July 7 second round.
Projections suggest the RN's seat count will fall short of the 289 needed for an absolute majority, with estimates ranging from 230-310 seats.
Macron called for a broad coalition against the far right to prevent the RN from gaining power.
High voter turnout at 65 percent reflected the political stakes.
The situation risks political paralysis and impacts Macron's international leadership role.
