French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to provide clear instructions for voters in the event of a possible showdown between the left and far-right National Rally party in the upcoming legislative elections. As the campaign drew to a close on Friday/Saturday, polls showed that the National Front had a comfortable lead over the left, with a significant gap between them. On Thursday evening, Macron promised to be “very clear” in his instructions for the second round if it comes down to a duel between the National Front and the left.
Prime Minister Gabriel Attal emphasized the importance of preventing extremists, particularly the far-right, from winning the elections. Macron previously equated the National Front and far-left La France Insoumise, but seemed to make a distinction in his stance during a European summit in Brussels. He criticized the National Rally party for their arrogance and their intentions to seize all government positions if they win.
Controversy emerged after statements by far-right leader Marine Le Pen suggesting that coexistence with her party would be challenging if they win. Le Pen downplayed the role of Commander of the Armed Forces, a constitutional position that grants
