France Elections 2024 second round of voting ended with left-wing parties as the surprising victor , beating both President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist coalition and Le Pen’s far right party coming in last. No one group is even close to a majority, the left-wing group won 177 seats, Centrist won 148 and the far-right won 142 seats.
In the 577-seat National Assembly, a party is needed to win 289 seats to win absolute majority. A hung parliament will be formed in France, not used to coalition government. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal says to offer resignation, but it’s not clear who will take over.
Macron’s gamble backfired
France legislative elections were not scheduled until 2027.The snap elections were declared after National Rally won most seats for France in European Parliament elections beating Macron’s coalition. The elections were called by French President Emmanuel Macron three years ahead, a surprising move turned out to be a huge gamble which has backfired against him. Mr. Macron was hoping that the French people would block the far-right party as usual. He apparently misjudged the appeal of the left. Now he will likely have to work with a PM opposing most of his domestic policies.
Rising tide of far right party in France
France held an early parliamentary election in two rounds, on June 30 and July 7. First round was held on June 30 where the National Rally prevailed on top with massive gains in their popularity. The party advocates for anti-immigrant policies and prioritization of their French citizens in jobs and social welfare schemes. They also share close ties with Russia, which would have definitely impacted French stance on war on Ukraine.
The exit polls held before second round results were declared, predicted the far right-wing party National Rally was expected to dominate the National Assembly for the first time since the Nazi occupation in World War II. The party’s new face Jordan Bardella who took over as leader from Le Pen was all set to become France Prime Minister. After far-right decisive victory in the first round of voting, Left-wing and centrist forces rallied to defeat Le Pen’s party.
Then came the results of the second round of voting where unexpectedly the New Popular Front, coalition of left-wing parties came out on top.
France Elections 2024: left parties surprising victors
A loose alliance of left-wing parties that calls itself the New Popular Front was formed last month after Mr. Macron called surprise vote. It has won most seats in France’s legislative elections. They band together in spite of deep divisions considering the far right party, National Rally strong performance in the first round of voting. The New Popular Front represents different factions, the Socialists, Greens, Communists and the France Unbowed.
The alliance campaigned to lower the retirement age which was raised by Macron last year from 62 to 64. They have promised to increase government spending on social welfare, environmental protection and health care. On foreign policy, the party commits to recognize the State of Palestine and push for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Since Macron declared the snap parliamentary elections, it has plunged French politics into political turmoil since it will be difficult to find common ground when the house has deep ideological divides. Economically too France is in turmoil as it is running on the highest deficits in the Eurozone.
Prolonged instability could increase calls for President Macron to resign ahead of his second and last term. Instability at home could not have come at worse timings when Paris is set to host the Olympics Games in less than three weeks.
3 Comments
Pingback: France PM to offer resignation after failing to get majority
Pingback: Left Leading But No Majority: 3 Possibilities will Determine the New French National Assembly - INPAC Times
Pingback: 75th NATO Summit commence amidst its uncertain future