France’s High Voter Turnout Dismantles Right-Wing Populist Claims as Experts Call for Political Compromises and Unity

The Rassemblement National (RN) has taken a commanding 33.2% lead in the first round of France’s new parliamentary elections, with experts predicting a second round of voting next Sunday that will determine the distribution of seats and the majority in the next parliament. While voter turnout is projected to be between 65.8% and 67%, it is clear that the French population is taking these elections seriously.

The high voter turnout delegitimizes previous claims that the right only wins when voter turnout is low, according to experts such as Sébastien Maillard and Mathias Bernard. With predictions of 65-85 MPs being chosen in the first round and 285-315 runoffs in the second round, strategic withdrawals are crucial in preventing an RN victory.

President Macron has called for a broad alliance to prevent right-wing populist candidates from winning seats in the second round, while Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has announced that around 60 government camp candidates will withdraw to support this effort. The election has shown deep divisions within French society, with far-right and left-wing alliances rising at the expense of political moderates.

Experts like Mustapha El Miri and Arnaud Mercier believe that France is in a state of political and sociological flux, requiring radical changes in one direction or another. However, they also highlight the need for political compromises and unity in order to move forward effectively. Overall, this election highlights how crucial it is for leaders to come together to address significant challenges facing France today.