National Rally Takes Early Parliamentary Election Lead in France, Prompting Calls for Unity

The first round of parliamentary elections in France has concluded, with the far-right National Rally leading the way. According to exit polls, Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella’s party is expected to receive over 34% of the vote, while the “New Popular Front” alliance of left and far-left forces is in second place at 28%. President Emmanuel Macron’s “Together” supporters are in third with 20%.

The National Assembly in France consists of 577 deputies, and it is anticipated that after the two rounds of elections, the National Rally will secure between 230-280 mandates, the New Popular Front between 125-165 seats, and Together between 70-100 deputies.

In response to the results, Macron has called for a united front against the far right in the second round of elections on July 7. He emphasized the need for a broad alliance of democratic and republican forces. Le Pen, on the other hand, has urged for maximum support for her party in the second round. She aims to secure an absolute majority in parliament and install Bardella as prime minister.

Macron decided to hold early elections following his party’s success in European Parliament elections. He made a significant shift to the right to attract their voters but despite his efforts, he did not gain favorable results.

It is worth noting that although Le Pen initially held anti-Semitic views, she has since become staunch supporters of Israel.