Gérald Darmanin's Re-election and the 2024 Legislative Elections
Gérald Darmanin, the former Minister of the Interior, has been re-elected in the 10th constituency of the North with 58.9% of the votes in the second round of the legislative elections. He defeated Bastien Verbrugghe of the National Rally, who garnered 41.1% of the votes. Darmanin's victory comes in a politically charged environment, where he managed to secure votes from those who previously supported the RN in the first round. His win reflects a broader strategy to block the National Rally's influence.
Darmanin, who had previously served as the mayor of Tourcoing and won the legislative elections in 2022, emphasized his commitment to his territory and hinted at building a new project. He had earlier stated that he would step down as Minister of the Interior if the RN or LFI won, reinforcing his dedication to his constituency over national politics.
The Broader Context of the 2024 Legislative Elections
The 2024 legislative elections saw over 43.3 million French citizens called to the polls for the second round in 501 constituencies. The New Popular Front (NFP) emerged as the leading party with 180 to 215 deputies, followed by the presidential Renaissance party and its allies. The National Rally (RN) and its allies secured between 120 and 150 seats, coming in third. Participation rates were significantly higher this year at 67.5%, compared to 46.23% in 2022.
The elections involved 1094 candidates across various duels, triangular, and quadrangular contests. The RN had the largest number of contenders, followed by the NFP and the future ex-presidential majority. These elections are crucial as they determine the 577 deputies of the National Assembly, who are elected for a five-year term unless the assembly is dissolved.
