Macron Faces Defeat in French Elections
The first round of the 2024 French parliamentary elections has dealt a significant blow to President Emmanuel Macron. The right-wing nationalist party, Rassemblement National (RN), led by Marine Le Pen, emerged as the strongest force, securing 33.15% of the vote. This result has put the RN in a favorable position to possibly achieve an absolute majority in the National Assembly after the second round of voting on July 7.
Strategic Withdrawals to Block RN
In response to the RN's success, candidates from Macron's centrist camp and the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) alliance have strategically decided to withdraw from the second round in constituencies where they have a lower chance of winning. This move aims to consolidate votes against RN candidates. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal emphasized the need for a diverse national assembly and urged voters to support any candidate who can defeat the RN, even if it means voting outside their preferred political camp.
Implications for Macron and France
The election results have sparked a wave of criticism and concern. Macron's attempt to surprise his opponents with early elections has backfired, with many viewing it as a historic miscalculation. The liberal Swedish daily Dagens Nyheter compared the potential consequences of an RN victory to Brexit, suggesting it could be disastrous for France and Europe. Meanwhile, Marine Le Pen has expressed her desire for early presidential elections, hoping to further her party's agenda, which includes controversial proposals like banning headscarves in public spaces and excluding dual nationals from certain public functions.
- The RN's potential to gain an absolute majority has led to significant political maneuvering. Many candidates from both Macron's camp and the left-wing alliance have chosen to withdraw from the second round to prevent the RN from winning. This strategy reflects the deep divisions and high stakes in the current political landscape.
- Macron's camp has been criticized for its handling of the elections, with some calling it a self-destructive disaster. The European elections had already shown a decline in support for Macron's party, and the current parliamentary elections have only exacerbated this trend.
- Marine Le Pen and her party are capitalizing on the dissatisfaction with Macron's administration. Le Pen's proposals, such as banning headscarves and privatizing public broadcasting, have resonated with a significant portion of the electorate, further challenging Macron's position.
- The outcome of the second round will be crucial in determining the future political direction of France. If the RN secures an absolute majority, it could lead to significant changes in both domestic and foreign policies, impacting France's role in the European Union and its stance on international issues like the Ukraine conflict.
