In a significant political development, the French Ministry of the Interior has announced the preliminary results of the first round of the parliamentary elections. The results indicate a surprising lead for the National Rally (Rassemblement National) party, headed by Marine Le Pen, over the party of President Emmanuel Macron. According to reports from the Ryan news agency, the National Rally secured 34.2 percent of the vote. This strong showing highlights the increasing support for Le Pen’s far-right party, which has been steadily gaining traction across France.
However, the announcement of these preliminary results sparked immediate protests in the city of Nantes. Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets, voicing their opposition to Le Pen’s party. The protests, characterized by chanting and marching, underscored the deep political divisions within the country.
The first phase of the elections took place on Sunday, with a second round scheduled for July 7. Only candidates who received more than 12.5 percent of the vote in the first round will advance to this crucial runoff. The final results of the parliamentary elections will be determined after this second phase.
This parliamentary election comes in the wake of the European Parliament elections held on June 9, which also showcased the rising influence of the far-right in France. The National Rally achieved a commanding lead, winning first place in 93 percent of France's 35,000 municipalities. This result translated to dominance in 80 percent of parliamentary constituencies, prompting President Macron to call for early parliamentary elections.
The outcome of the second round will be pivotal for the political landscape of France. If the National Rally maintains its lead, it could significantly challenge President Macron’s legislative agenda and reshape the nation’s approach to key issues such as immigration, security, and European integration. The unfolding political dynamics in France are being closely watched, both domestically and internationally, as they may signal broader shifts within European politics.
As the nation prepares for the runoff, the political atmosphere remains charged, with both supporters and opponents of the National Rally mobilizing for a decisive vote that will shape the future of French governance.
