Macron Faces Major Setback in French Elections
The first round of the 2024 French elections has resulted in a significant defeat for President Emmanuel Macron and his Ensemble alliance. The right-wing nationalist party, Rassemblement National (RN), led by Marine Le Pen, has emerged as the leading force, securing 33.15% of the vote. In contrast, Macron's camp managed to secure only 20.04%, coming in third after the left-wing alliance Nouveau Front Populaire (NFP), which garnered 27.99%. This election could mark a turning point in French politics, with the potential for the extreme right to gain a majority in the National Assembly.
Tactical Withdrawals and Alliances
In an effort to prevent the RN from gaining an absolute majority, more than 200 candidates from various parties have withdrawn their candidacies. This strategy aims to consolidate votes around the strongest candidates opposing the RN. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal and President Macron have both ruled out any alliances with the left-wing populist party La France Insoumise (LFI). Despite these efforts, the outcome remains uncertain as the second round approaches on July 7.
Controversies and Legal Challenges
The election has not been without its controversies. RN candidate Florence Joubert is facing legal action from Christelle Druillole of the NFP for alleged insult and defamation. Additionally, another RN candidate, Daniel Grenon, is under judicial scrutiny for making allegedly racist remarks. These incidents highlight the heightened tensions and polarizing nature of this election. Former President François Hollande also faced a minor hiccup when he was briefly barred from voting due to a lack of identification, although he later cast his vote.
High Voter Turnout and Public Sentiment
Voter turnout has been notably high, with 59.39% of eligible voters participating by 5 p.m., the highest in four decades. This surge in voter engagement reflects the high stakes and public interest in the election's outcome. As the second round looms, both Macron's camp and the left-wing alliance are mobilizing their bases to counter the RN's momentum. The potential for a cohabitation government, where the president and the prime minister come from different political camps, adds another layer of complexity to the unfolding political drama.
International Reactions and Future Implications
Internationally, the election results are being closely watched. Spanish newspaper El País suggests that nothing is decided yet, and a victory for Marine Le Pen could still be averted. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has been in constant communication with Macron, expressing concern over the 'depressing' situation. The election's outcome could have significant implications for France's domestic policies, as well as its role in the European Union and its stance on international issues such as the Ukraine conflict.
