Populist Right Gains Ground in French Elections: Will Marine Le Pen’s National Union Party Take Power?

France has seen a significant shift in its political landscape as the populist right gained ground in recent elections. Approximately 34% of French voters supported the bloc led by Marine Le Pen’s “National Union” party, compared to 29% for a broad left bloc and 22% for the Center Bloc, led by incumbent President Emmanuel Macron. Despite calling for snap elections three weeks ago to consolidate his power, Macron suffered a sharp defeat as the results did not favor him.

The election results have set up a second and final round for the “National Union” party, which will need at least 289 seats to secure an absolute majority in parliament and form a government. Current estimates show that they may fall short of this majority, with the left bloc expected to win between 180 and 200 seats. As candidates compete for seats in the National Assembly, which has 577 seats, each electoral district’s results will become known. Candidates who received more than 12.5% of the votes in the first round qualify for the second round.

The voting rate in these elections exceeded previous rates, with close to 70% turnout compared to less than 48% two years ago. The populist right in France looks poised to take power as Macron’s decision to dissolve the National Assembly and call for snap elections after the European Parliament results failed to sway public opinion. The National Union party demonstrated broad support throughout France, showing that the European Parliament elections were not just a protest vote.