Far-Right Party Leads in Critical French Elections, Spells End of Centrist Government Alliance

The far-right National Rally has secured a lead in the first round of critical parliamentary elections in France, potentially spelling the end of the centrist government alliance supported by President Emmanuel Macron. In the initial results, Marine Le Pen’s party won around 34% of the vote, with the leftist New Popular Front following at approximately 29%, and Macron’s Together alliance at 20%.

After the initial results, Le Pen emphasized the importance of winning the majority vote in the second round, a move that could see National Rally president Jordan Bardella become France’s prime minister. Macron called for a snap election following the far-right’s success in the European parliamentary elections, a move considered a significant gamble due to the short three-week campaign period. He warned voters against the dangers of far-right or far-left governments, highlighting the need to avoid extremes.

Macron had previously won against Le Pen in both French presidential elections held in 2017 and 2022. While Le Pen only secured 34% of the vote in her first attempt at taking office, she gained momentum over time and garnered more than 41% of