France Faces Historic Shift as Far Right Leads First Round of Parliamentary Elections

In the first round of France’s parliamentary elections, Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally party is projected to secure a historic victory, positioning President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist coalition into third place. With a record high turnout of 69%, the far-right’s potential win suggests a significant shift in the French political landscape, as Macron’s gamble to call the ballot in response to the far-right’s success in the European parliamentary elections appears to have backfired. The second round of voting is anticipated with high stakes, as it could lead to a far-right prime minister if the National Rally gains an absolute majority.

• Marine Le Pen’s National Rally projected to win the first round with over a third of the vote.
• Macron’s centrist coalition pushed into third place, behind the left.
• Record high turnout of 69% in the elections, the highest in decades.
• Projected results show National Rally with 33.5%, the leftwing New Popular Front Alliance with 28.5%, and Macron’s Together Coalition around 22%.
• Far-right victory could force Macron to share power, potentially naming Jordan Bardella, a 28-year-old with limited professional experience, as prime minister.
• Second round of voting crucial for determining the final composition of the parliament.
• Parties may withdraw candidates in districts where they placed third to prevent a National Rally majority.
• Prime Minister Gabriel Attal calls for unity to prevent the far right from gaining an absolute majority.
• Jean-Luc Mélenchon and the New Popular Front advocate against giving the National Rally a majority.
• Concerns over the far-right’s anti-immigrant policies and national preference, which could affect millions with dual nationality in France.
• European Union and France’s role could be impacted by a far-right victory, posing challenges for pro-EU agendas.

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