Emmanuel Macron’s early gamble on parliamentary elections in France has backfired, with the far-right National Rally of Marine Le Pen emerging as the leading party in the first round of voting. Macron’s centrist camp and the left-wing New Popular Front are now in a fierce battle to prevent the far right from gaining absolute majority and control of the government.
In the upcoming second round of voting on July 7, Le Pen is rallying her supporters to give the National Rally the power it needs to form the government, with 28-year-old Jordan Bardella potentially becoming the prime minister. The outcome of these elections will shape the political landscape of France for years to come, with the possibility of a far-right administration causing concern among many.
As the country awaits the final results, all eyes are on the upcoming vote and the potential shift in power that could occur. France’s political future hangs in the balance as the battle for control intensifies.