First round of the eagerly awaited parliamentary elections in France
France's President Emmanuel Macron unexpectedly called for new elections after his government's poor performance in the European elections in early June. His hope that the French would vote differently in a national election compared to the EU-wide ballot seems to be unfounded according to the polls.
Instead, the EU election could pave the way for the first right-wing populist government in the country since the establishment of the current republic. It appears that the government coalition is likely to lose its relative majority in the National Assembly.
According to the polls, the right-wing populist party Rassemblement National (RN) is leading steadily and significantly with 34 to 37 percent of the votes. The left-green alliance New People's Front followed in the polls with 27.5 to 29 percent of the votes. President Emmanuel Macron's government is lagging far behind with 20.6 to 21 percent.
Some polls even suggest that the RN has a chance of an absolute majority in the National Assembly. However, there are still many variables.
It is expected that voter turnout will reach record levels due to the importance of the EU election. This could lead to several dozen candidates being elected in the first round. Before the second round on July 7, the question arises as to how many candidates might withdraw to prevent an RN candidate from winning.
If the RN achieves an absolute majority, Macron might be forced to enter into a political shotgun marriage with the right-wing populists and make the 28-year-old party leader Jordan Bardella Prime Minister. This, in turn, could clear the way for Marine Le Pen to become President in 2027.
- The European elections held on Sunday marked the first round of the Parliamentary election in the EU, with France serving as one of the participating countries.
- Despite President Emmanuel Macron's call for new elections following his government's poor performance in these European elections, the polls indicate a different outcome in the upcoming national vote.
- The right-wing populist party Rassemblement National (RN) is expected to maintain its lead in the Sunday's EU elections, potentially forming the first right-wing populist government in France since the current republic's establishment.
- Should the RN secure an absolute majority in the National Assembly after the second round of voting on July 7, it might force President Macron to consider political alliances, potentially leading to Emmanuel Macron's government ally Jordan Bardella becoming Prime Minister.
