The recent second round of the legislative elections in France has brought surprising results, with the presidential camp, despite losing its majority in the National Assembly, emerging as the second political force in the country with 156 seats. This places it behind the New Popular Front (NFP), which secured the most seats, and ahead of the National Rally (RN), which took third place with 143 deputies. The outcome defied earlier polls predicting a victory for the nationalist party.
The success of the presidential camp can be attributed largely to the creation of a 'republican front' aimed at blocking the National Rally. This strategy involved candidates from various political parties withdrawing in numerous constituencies to consolidate anti-RN votes, benefiting the Macronists and their allies. In mainland France, 134 candidates from different parties withdrew in support of this front.
In the department of Seine-Maritime, the election results showcased a diverse political representation. The New Popular Front won five constituencies, the presidential majority took three, and the National Rally secured two. Notably, Florence Hérouin-Léautey of the Socialist Party reclaimed the 1st constituency of Rouen from the Macronist candidate, highlighting a rejection of Emmanuel Macron’s policies. Despite the gains, the extreme right also made notable progress, with RN candidates winning in traditionally left-leaning areas.
In Loiret, the political landscape shifted as the RN retained only one of its previously held seats. The presidential majority managed to save three seats, with notable victories for candidates like Anthony Brosse and Stéphanie Rist. The left also made headway with Emmanuel Duplessy of the New Popular Front winning a seat, marking a significant achievement for the left in the region.
Marne saw the experienced deputy Charles de Courson of The Centrists retaining his seat narrowly against the RN candidate. The RN tidal wave predicted in several constituencies did not materialize, with the presidential majority and its allies securing most seats. However, Maxime Michelet, an ally of the RN, won in the 3rd constituency, marking a significant gain for the nationalist party in the region.
In Finistère, the left and center-right managed to block the RN, with six constituencies going to the presidential majority and two to the New Popular Front. The participation rate was notably high at 73.5%. The results in Finistère reflected a broader national trend of strategic voting to prevent the RN from gaining more seats.
- The creation of the 'republican front' was a decisive factor in the election results, demonstrating the effectiveness of strategic withdrawals and consolidations to counter the National Rally's influence.
- In Seine-Maritime, the diverse political representation underscores the region's complex political landscape. The victory of Florence Hérouin-Léautey in Rouen is particularly significant, as it reflects a broader rejection of Macron's policies and a strategic move by left-wing forces to block the RN.
- The political shifts in Loiret highlight the dynamic nature of French politics, with the presidential majority managing to retain key seats despite strong challenges from the RN. The victory of Emmanuel Duplessy for the left is a notable achievement in a region that has not seen a left-wing win since 2012.
- Marne's election results reveal the resilience of experienced politicians like Charles de Courson, who managed to retain his seat despite strong RN competition. The election of Maxime Michelet, an RN ally, in the 3rd constituency marks a significant gain for the nationalist party in the region.
- In Finistère, the high participation rate and the strategic voting to block the RN reflect a broader national trend of political mobilization against the far-right. The victories of the presidential majority and the New Popular Front in the region underscore the effectiveness of strategic alliances and withdrawals in shaping the election outcomes.
