French Election 2024: A Political Rollercoaster
The 2024 French parliamentary elections have been nothing short of dramatic, with significant political shifts and unexpected outcomes. The runoff elections concluded with Marine Le Pen's Rassemblement National (RN) falling short of an absolute majority, despite initial forecasts predicting a strong performance. The RN secured third place, trailing behind the left-green electoral alliance and President Emmanuel Macron's centrist coalition. Le Pen, however, remains optimistic, stating that their victory is "only postponed."
The election results have already triggered notable political repercussions. French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal announced his resignation following the disappointing results for Macron's camp. Meanwhile, the RN's chairman, Jordan Bardella, criticized the election tactics of the left-wing and center-right alliances as an "alliance of shame," accusing them of tactical maneuvers to weaken the RN.
Record Voter Turnout and Tactical Withdrawals
The elections saw a record voter turnout, the highest since 1981, reflecting the high stakes of this political contest. More than 200 candidates withdrew before the runoff elections, a strategic move aimed at consolidating votes against the RN. This tactic contributed to the RN missing the absolute majority, though they still managed to double their number of MPs.
In a notable constituency battle, Meyer Habib, a deputy for the 8th constituency of French people living abroad, lost his seat to Macronist Caroline Yadan. Yadan, known for her commitment against anti-Semitism and her advocacy for the return of hostages from Gaza, managed to unite voters from the left and center, overcoming Habib's strong initial lead. Habib, a close ally of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, had been confident throughout the campaign despite controversies surrounding his tenure.
The final composition of the National Assembly remains uncertain, with the formation of three blocs likely, potentially leading to political paralysis. Observers are keenly watching how these developments will impact Macron's ability to govern and whether Le Pen's RN can maintain their momentum for future electoral contests.
