French right-wing populists' prospects worsen as candidates withdraw
Due to high voter turnout, in over 300 of the 577 constituencies, three candidates qualified for the runoff for each. In almost half of these cases, the RN candidate was in the lead. If the third-place candidate were to withdraw, this would decrease the RN candidate's chances of winning the runoff.
The left-green New People's Front coalition called for their candidates to withdraw, but the government camp was divided on this issue. Several leading representatives spoke out against allowing left-populist candidates to receive votes, even if they could prevent the Rassemblement National from winning the election. The largest group within the left-green coalition is the left-populist party La France Insoumise (LFI).
The candidates who qualified for the second round have until 18.00 to decide whether to participate. Those who received votes from at least 12.5% of registered voters in the first round are eligible to participate in the runoff on July 7.
In the upcoming Sunday runoff, the seating distribution in the National Assembly will be decided. A absolute majority of 289 out of 577 seats is required. The right-populists were in the lead in the first round in 297 constituencies.
- The prospect of a Parliamentary election runoff in France is causing excitement among right-wing populists, with Rassemblement National leading in nearly half of the constituencies.
- Le Monde reported that the left-green coalition urged their candidates to withdraw, aiming to prevent the RN from securing a takeover of power, but the government camp remains divided on this issue.
- If the third-place candidate in the run-off election decides to withdraw, it could impact the RN candidate's chances of claiming victory, a move that right-wing populists strongly oppose.
- Regardless of the withdrawal of certain candidates, the run-off election on July 7 will determine the seating distribution in the National Assembly, requiring an absolute majority of 289 seats to exercise control.
- The leading left-populist party, La France Insoumise (LFI), is closely monitoring the run-off election, recognizing the significant role they may play in the outcome and the possibility of shaping the political landscape of France.
