far-right National Rally partyunder the leadership of Marine Le PenVictory has been claimed in the first round of French parliamentary elections. long mark France has fallen into a state of political uncertainty following its recent defeat in the European Parliament elections. second round runoff A hearing has been scheduled for July 7 to determine the final outcome.
Tensions have run high, with shops and businesses across France closed in anticipation of potential unrest, reports the Daily Mail. Paris has already seen scenes of unrest as militant activists have taken to the streets, setting fires and behaving destructively. Shop windows were smashed and fires were set across the historic city, which is due to host the Olympic Games in just 25 days. Barricades erected to control the crowd were set on fire, while many protesters marched onto Place de la Republique. The scenes of chaos and destruction have raised concerns about the stability of the country and the possibility of more violence in the coming days, reports the Daily Mail.
Here’s everything you need to know about the French election and its potential implications:
Why were sudden elections held in France?
Tensions have run high, with shops and businesses across France closed in anticipation of potential unrest, reports the Daily Mail. Paris has already seen scenes of unrest as militant activists have taken to the streets, setting fires and behaving destructively. Shop windows were smashed and fires were set across the historic city, which is due to host the Olympic Games in just 25 days. Barricades erected to control the crowd were set on fire, while many protesters marched onto Place de la Republique. The scenes of chaos and destruction have raised concerns about the stability of the country and the possibility of more violence in the coming days, reports the Daily Mail.
Here’s everything you need to know about the French election and its potential implications:
Why were sudden elections held in France?
- President Emmanuel Macron called early elections after his centrist forces were defeated by the National Rally in European Parliament elections earlier this month.
What was the result of the recent snap elections in France?
- The right-wing National Rally party led by Marine Le Pen won the first round of parliamentary elections. They received about 34% of the vote, ahead of left-wing and centrist rivals.
- “France has shown its willingness to turn the page of a despised and destructive power,” Le Pen told cheering crowds. “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 National Rally perform compared to other parties?
- The National Rally won about 34% of the vote, the New Popular Front coalition came in second with about 29%, and President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist coalition came in third with about 21%.
What are the possible outcomes of the upcoming voting on 7th July?
- The by-election could result in the formation of a government if the National Rally wins an absolute majority of at least 289 seats. However, the outcome is uncertain due to the complex voting system and possible political bargaining.
- If the RN wins the most votes and accepts the prime ministership, a period of “cohabitation” with Macron will begin. This has happened three times in France’s modern political history, but with mainstream parties. The RN may struggle to embrace ideas for change.
What are the implications of the National Rally’s victory?
- A National Rally victory could mark the beginning of a period of “cohabitation,” in which the far-right party would govern alongside President Macron and pursue policies that are different from Macron’s centrist agenda. It would be the first time a far-right force has come to power in France since World War II.
How has President Macron reacted to the election results?
- In a statement, Macron called for a “broad” alliance against the far right in a second round that would see a runoff between two or three candidates after the first round produced no clear winner.
- Macron said the high turnout in the first round reflected “the importance of this vote for all our countrymen and the desire to clarify the political situation”.
What are the key issues supporting the national rally?
- The National Rally’s platform, which includes strict immigration controls and a nationalist agenda, has appealed to voters disillusioned with traditional parties and concerned about issues such as immigration and national identity.
What was the response to the success of the national rally?
- Supporters of the National Rally see the win as a shift in their vision for France. Opponents, in contrast, are predicting a period of intense civil unrest and political conflict.
What will happen if no party gets absolute majority?
- Article 8 of the Constitution says the president appoints the prime minister, but does not specify what criteria he should use.
- In practice, President Emmanuel Macron would be expected to offer the post to the leading parliamentary group – which opinion polls and the first round of voting suggest will be the euro-sceptic, anti-immigration RN.
- If no party wins an absolute majority, France could face political deadlock, with little or no legislation being passed. A caretaker government could run basic day-to-day operations, and Macron would have to deal with complex political negotiations.
What are the broader implications of this election for France and Europe?
- A right-wing victory in France could have significant implications for European politics, particularly on issues such as immigration and European integration. The international community is watching France closely as it prepares for the upcoming Olympic Games and navigates a tumultuous political period.
(with inputs from agencies)
