Elections in France: Voters vote in legislative elections with far-right ahead in polls
The French are called this Sunday to vote in early legislative elections, in elections that will be marked by the rise of the extreme right and which could plunge France into a scenario of instability.
The 577 seats in the National Assembly (parliament) are at stake in these elections. If no party obtains more than 50% of the votes today (that is, at least 289 elected) — a likely scenario -, there will be a second round, already scheduled for next Sunday, July 7th.
The legislative elections, which were only supposed to take place in 2027, were called in a surprising way by the French President, Emmanuel Macron, after the defeat of his party (Renaissance) and the sharp rise of the National Union (RN, far-right), in the elections for the European Parliament on June 9th.
Marine Le Pen, former leader of the French far right, with her dauphin, Jordan Bardella
CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP/Getty Images
The most recent polls, published on Friday, the last day of the electoral campaign, showed a rise in the extreme right, which could obtain 37% of the votes, together with its conservative allies.
In second place, the new Popular Front, which brings together left-wing parties, would obtain 28% of the votes. The French President’s outgoing majority would accentuate his decline, standing at 20%.
The Republicans (LR), the traditional right-wing party, registered a split led by its president, Éric Ciotti, who allied himself with Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella, from RN.
Emmanuel Macron made a high-risk bet by dissolving Parliament following the European elections
Nicolas Rongier/Hans Lucas
If the victory of the extreme right in these elections seems certain, the post-election scenario raises more doubts: if there are no clear majorities and if the parties fail to reach agreements for a government coalition , an impasse could occur, an unprecedented situation in France.
A scenario that could last until July 2025, as Macron could not call legislative elections again within a year.
If other political forces manage to form a government, a ‘cohabitation’ regime is installed, in which the executive can implement its proposals, eventually deviating from the President’s policy.
Even challenged by Marine Le Pen to resign if the extreme right wins the elections, Macron has already guaranteed that his mandate will be fulfilled until the end, in May 2027.
