Far-right wins first round in France elections: What happens next?

The far-right National Rally party, led by Marine Le Pen, has claimed victory in the first round of France’s snap parliamentary elections. The election, called by Macron after a recent defeat in the European Parliament elections, has thrown France into a state of political uncertainty, with the second-round runoffs on July 7 set to determine the final outcome.

According to a Daily Mail report, tensions are running high, shops and businesses have been boarded up in anticipation of potential unrest in France. Paris has already witnessed scenes of unrest as militant activists took to street, setting off flares and engaging in destructive behavior. Shop windows were smashed, and fires were lit throughout the historic city, which is set to host the Olympic Games in a mere 25 days. Barricades intended to control crowds were set on fire, while numerous protesters scaled the Place de la Republique. The scenes of chaos and destruction have raised concerns about the stability of the country and the potential for further violence in the coming days, the Daily Mail report said.

Here is all you need to know about the French elections and its likely impacts:

What led to the snap elections in France?

• President Emmanuel Macron called for snap elections after his centrist forces were trounced by the National Rally in the European Parliament elections earlier this month.

What was the outcome of the recent French snap elections?

• The far-right National Rally party, led by Marine Le Pen, emerged victorious in the first round of the snap parliamentary elections. They secured around 34% of the vote, ahead of leftist and centrist rivals.
• “The French have shown their willingness to turn the page on a contemptuous and corrosive power,” Le Pen told the cheering crowd. “Nothing is won and the second round is decisive,” Le Pen, who has long worked to distance the party from its extremist origins, told supporters.

How did the National Rally perform compared to other parties?

• The National Rally won approximately 34% of the vote, with the New Popular Front coalition in second place at around 29%, and President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist alliance coming in third with about 21%.

What are the potential outcomes of the upcoming runoff on July 7?

• The runoff could result in the National Rally forming a government if they secure an absolute majority of at least 289 seats. However, the complex voting system and potential political dealmaking make the outcome uncertain.

• If the RN wins the highest share of the vote and accepts the prime minister post, a period of “cohabitation” with Macron would begin. That has happened three times in France’s modern political history, but with mainstream parties. The RN could struggle to get ideas for change adopted.

What are the implications of a National Rally victory?

• A National Rally victory could lead to a period of “cohabitation” where the far-right party governs alongside President Macron, implementing policies that diverge from Macron’s centrist agenda. It would be the first time a far-right force has taken power in France since World War II.

How has President Macron responded to the election results?

• In a statement, Macron called for a “broad” alliance against the far right in the second round, which will see run-off votes between two or three candidates where there was no outright winner in the first round.
• Macron said the high turnout in the first round spoke of “the importance of this vote for all our compatriots and the desire to clarify the political situation”.

What are the key issues that drove support for the National Rally?

• The National Rally’s platform, which includes stringent immigration controls and a nationalist agenda, has resonated with voters disillusioned with traditional parties and concerned about issues like immigration and national identity.

What has been the reaction to the National Rally’s success?

• Supporters of the National Rally are jubilant, viewing the win as a shift towards their vision for France. Conversely, opponents predict a period of intense civil unrest and political struggle.

What could happen if no party wins an absolute majority?

• Article 8 of the constitution says the president appoints the prime minister, but does not say which criteria he should use.
• In practice, President Emmanuel Macron would be expected to offer the job to the leading parliamentary group – which opinion polls and the first round of voting suggest will be the eurosceptic, anti-immigration RN.
• If no party secures an absolute majority, France could face political paralysis with little or no legislation being adopted. A caretaker government might run basic daily affairs, and Macron would have to navigate complex political negotiations.

What are the broader implications of this election for France and Europe?

• The far-right victory in France could have significant implications for European politics, particularly regarding issues like immigration and European integration. The international community is watching closely as France prepares for the upcoming Olympic Games and navigates this tumultuous political period.

(With inputs from agencies)