In an unexpected turn of events in France, the parliamentary elections, initially predicted to favor the far right, took a different direction in recent polls during the Sunday elections. In the first leg, the far right emerged victorious, with predictions suggesting they would secure a majority in the parliament.
Unified Anti-RN Vote
However, the left and centrist alliances cooperated by pulling scores of candidates from three-way races to build a unified anti-National Rally (RN) vote after a week of negotiations. This cooperation led to a significant shift in the polls.
Major Upset by Leftist Alliance
The unexpected happened as a leftist alliance unexpectedly took the top spot ahead of the far right, in a major upset that was set to bar Marine Le Pen’s National Rally (RN) from running the government. The RN was projected to come third, according to early results.
Reaction from RN and Divided Parliament
In his first reaction, RN leader Jordan Bardella called the cooperation between anti-RN forces, known as the “republican front,” a “disgraceful alliance” that he claimed would paralyze France. The election is expected to leave parliament divided into three major groups with vastly different platforms and no tradition of working together.
Humiliation for Macron
The vote was also a setback for President Emmanuel Macron, who called the snap election after his ticket was defeated in the European Parliament elections last month. Macron’s centrist alliance was projected to be narrowly second with 150-180 seats.
Projections for the Leftist Alliance
The leftist alliance, which includes the hard left, the Socialists, and the Greens, who have long been at odds with each other, was forecast to win between 172 and 215 seats out of 577. These projections are typically reliable.
Reactions from Supporters and Opponents
Cries of joy and tears of relief broke out at the leftist alliance’s gathering in Paris when the estimates were announced. At the Greens’ headquarters, activists screamed in joy, embracing each other. “I’m relieved. As a French-Moroccan, a doctor, an ecologist activist, what the far right was proposing to do as a government was craziness,” said 34-year-old Hafsah Hachad.
In contrast, there was stunned silence, clenched jaws, and tears at the RN party headquarters, as young party members checked their phones. The RN was seen getting 115 to 155 seats.
Bottom Line
The unexpected cooperation among leftist and centrist forces led to a major upset in the French parliamentary elections, significantly altering the predicted outcome and preventing the far right from gaining control. This election has highlighted the deep divisions and complex dynamics within French politics.
