The first round of the French legislative elections on June 30, 2024, has dramatically reshaped the political landscape, with the National Rally (RN) emerging as a dominant force. The RN, led by Marine Le Pen, achieved unprecedented success, securing around 34% of the votes, according to initial projections. This marks a significant increase from previous elections and positions the party to potentially gain a relative or absolute majority in the National Assembly after the second round.
In Charente-Maritime, a region historically resistant to the far right, the RN made significant inroads. Emma Chauveau, the RN candidate in the first constituency, secured 22.65% of the votes, tripling the RN's support compared to the 2022 elections. This constituency, which includes La Rochelle and the Île de Ré, will see a three-way contest in the second round, with Chauveau facing off against Olivier Falorni (various left) and Jean-Marc Soubeste (NFP).
Elsewhere in Charente-Maritime, RN candidates led in all four other constituencies. Pascal Markowsky, in the fourth constituency, achieved the highest score among far-right candidates with 45.21% of the votes. He will compete against former MP Raphaël Gérard (Together), who garnered 27.95%.
The RN's success has prompted significant reactions from other political factions. President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Gabriel Attal have called for a broad, democratic, and republican alliance to counter the RN's rise. Attal announced the withdrawal of around 60 government camp candidates in the second round to prevent RN victories.
The high voter turnout of nearly 70% reflects the intense public interest and the stakes of this election. Former President François Hollande and leftist leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon have also urged voters to form a united front against the RN, warning of political instability and potential crises if the far right gains a majority.
The RN's success has not only reshaped the immediate electoral landscape but also raised concerns about France's future political stability. Experts warn that the risk of a permanent political crisis is significant, with the possibility of no clear parliamentary majority emerging. This election is seen as a critical turning point for France, with potential long-term implications for its political and social fabric.
- In the third constituency of Saintes-Saint-Jean-d'Angély, RN candidate Stéphane Morin secured 40.85% of the votes, making significant progress in traditionally hostile areas. Socialist candidate Fabrice Barusseau (NFP) followed with 28.07%, while the outgoing deputy Jean-Philippe Ardouin (Together) narrowly missed the second round with 27.88%. Ardouin's withdrawal has been confirmed, leaving Barusseau to face Morin.
- In the fifth constituency, encompassing Royan, Marennes, and the island of Oléron, RN candidate Aymeric Mongelous captured 43.83% of the votes. He will face Christophe Plassard (Horizons), who received 32.75%. Plassard criticized Mongelous for avoiding debates and emphasized his own track record of actions over words.
- The second constituency of Rochefort-Aunis saw RN candidate Karen Bertholom leading with 34.41% of the votes. Ecologist Benoît Biteau (NFP) came second with 26.94%, followed by outgoing MP Anne-Laure Babault (Together) with 25.33%. Babault's decision to remain in the race could result in another three-way contest.
- The RN's rise has led to calls for strategic withdrawals and alliances to prevent their candidates from winning. This election has highlighted deep political divisions and the urgent need for unity among moderate and leftist parties to counter the far-right's momentum.
