For the first time in the history of the Val-d'Oise department, eight out of ten deputies come from the ranks of the left, including six men and four women. This historic shift also saw the election of a far-right candidate for the National Assembly. The voter turnout was impressive, with 64.98% of the 618,213 registered voters participating, significantly higher than the 42.9% turnout in 2022.
The second round of the 2024 legislative elections in France concluded with significant political shifts. The New Popular Front (NFP), a left-wing coalition, emerged as the leading force with estimates ranging between 180 and 215 seats. Ensemble, President Emmanuel Macron's centrist coalition, took the second position with 150 to 180 seats, while the far-right National Rally (RN) led by Marine Le Pen secured between 120 and 150 seats.
Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of Rebellious France, emphasized that President Macron has the power and duty to call on the NFP to govern, highlighting the clear defeat of the president and his coalition. The left-wing coalition's success is seen as a relief for many who feared the rise of the far-right.
Despite the RN's strong showing in the first round, the party is unlikely to achieve an absolute majority. The cordon sanitaire strategy by other political parties has effectively limited the RN's gains. The RN was expected to secure between 175 and 205 seats but fell short of an absolute majority.
High participation rates were observed across various constituencies, with some areas like Châtenay-en-France displaying as low as 7.8% abstention. Conversely, areas like Margency saw higher abstention rates, up to 48.4%.
The election results indicate a fragmented National Assembly, with no single party holding an absolute majority. This scenario points towards intense negotiations to form potential coalitions or a technical government. Emmanuel Macron's centrist coalition faces a challenging period ahead, with the possibility of a parliamentary blockade looming.
Marine Le Pen's National Rally, despite its substantial gains, will not achieve the absolute majority required to force a cohabitation government with President Macron. This outcome could lead to political instability and potential early presidential elections before 2027.
The legislative elections have highlighted the deep political divisions in France, with significant voter turnout reflecting the high stakes. The results suggest a potential coalition government, with the left and Macron's centrism likely to collaborate to ensure a stable governance structure.
- The second round of the legislative elections saw a record participation rate of 26.63% by noon, the highest in 43 years. This high turnout is attributed to the critical nature of the elections, with many voters fearing the rise of the far-right.
- Polling stations across France, including major cities like Paris, Lyon, and Marseille, reported heavy voter turnout. The elections coincided with the start of the summer holidays, prompting many to vote early or via proxy.
- The government deployed 30,000 police officers nationwide, with 5,000 stationed in Paris, to prevent potential violence and ensure the security of the electoral process.
- The RN's campaign was marked by xenophobic rhetoric and attacks on minorities, raising concerns about potential post-election violence. Businesses in central Paris, Lyon, and Grenoble were boarded up as a precaution.
- The fragmented results of the elections suggest that France may face a prolonged period of political negotiations. The lack of an absolute majority for any party could lead to a coalition government or a technical government led by Macron's centrist coalition.
- The election results are seen as a significant setback for President Macron, who called for early elections following his coalition's defeat in the European parliamentary elections. The reduced number of seats for Macron's coalition indicates a loss of support and confidence among voters.
