The Rise of the Far-Right: France’s Parliamentary Elections Result in a Tense Showdown between Centrist and Right-Wing Parties

In the first round of parliamentary elections in France, the far-right National Rally made significant gains, with Marine Le Pen’s party receiving roughly 34% of the vote. This outcome has put the centrist government alliance supported by President Emmanuel Macron at risk of losing power.

The leftist alliance New Popular Front came in second with approximately 29% of the vote, while Macron’s Together alliance received 20%. The final round of voting will take place on July 7, with the parties vying for 577 seats in the National Assembly.

Macron called for a snap election following Le Pen’s party’s success in the European parliamentary elections, seeking to prevent the rise of far-right or far-left governments in the country. He emphasized the dangers of turning to extreme ideologies during a recent interview, urging voters to reject quick solutions offered by such parties.

Le Pen, who has been defeated by Macron in past presidential elections, has seen her party make significant gains in recent years, garnering over 41% of the vote in the last election. If she performs well in this year’s parliamentary elections, she could potentially become France’s prime minister and lead a far-right government for the first time since World War II.