By Paul Kirby, BBC News in Paris
REUTERS/Yves Herman
France’s far right is in pole position after the first round of parliamentary elections that confirmed their dominance in French politics and brought them to the gates of power.
Supporters of Marine Le Pen’s anti-immigration National Rally (RN) cheered as she said the president’s “Macronist bloc has been all but wiped out”.
RN was on course to win 33.2% of the vote, with a left-wing alliance behind on 28.1%, and the Macron alliance behind on 21%.
“I aim to be prime minister for all the French people, if the French give us their votes,” said 28-year-old RN party leader Jordan Bardella.
Never before has the far right won the first round of a French parliamentary election. The simple fact that it has become possible is historic, says veteran commentator Alain Duhamel.
What Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella want is an absolute majority of 289 seats in the 577-seat National Assembly.
Seat projections for next Sunday’s second round run-off votes suggest they may fall short.
Ludovic MARIN / AFP
“Not a single vote must go to the National Rally,” he declared. “The stakes are clear – to prevent the National Rally from having an absolute majority.”
“One thing is for sure,” said Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the abrasive leader of France Unbowed (LFI), ” Mr Attal won’t be prime minister any longer.”
His is the most radical of the left-wing parties that make up the New Popular Front, which finished within a few points of National Rally.
However, he agreed with the prime minister that not one more vote should got to RN.
France’s far-right National Rally party has emerged victorious in the first round of parliamentary elections, positioning themselves at the forefront of French politics. Marine Le Pen’s RN secured 33.2% of the vote, signaling a shift in France’s political landscape. The possibility of RN achieving an absolute majority in the National Assembly has sparked concern among opponents. The next round of run-off votes will determine the final outcome and potentially lead to a hung parliament. Leaders across the political spectrum are strategizing to prevent RN from gaining power. The high voter turnout reflects the gravity of this election and the potential implications for France’s future. The outcome of the second round remains uncertain, with alliances forming and shifting to block RN from seizing control. As the country navigates this unprecedented political terrain, the results of the upcoming election will shape France’s trajectory.\
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