Historic Victory for the New Popular Front in French Legislative Elections
In a historic turn of events, several thousand people gathered at Place de la République on Sunday to celebrate the results of the second round of the legislative elections. The New Popular Front (NFP) emerged victorious, leading the union of the left. Applause and horns filled the air as supporters greeted the arrival of the left-wing coalition, with many chanting slogans and displaying banners. One notable banner read, 'France is a fabric of migrations,' highlighting the diverse makeup of the nation.
Police Presence and Political Reactions
Amidst the celebrations, a few clashes occurred between the police and masked individuals. To manage potential unrest, a substantial law enforcement presence was deployed, with 30,000 police officers mobilized across France, including 5,000 in Paris. This security measure is expected to remain in place until at least July 16.
The election results have also stirred reactions from various quarters, including the French football team. Midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni described the outcome as 'the victory of the people,' while defender Jules Koundé expressed immense relief, emphasizing the importance of blocking the far-right. Defender Ibrahima Konaté echoed similar sentiments, celebrating the 'republican dam' built to limit the National Rally's (RN) influence.
- The intelligence services had anticipated a hardening of extremist movements, regardless of the election outcome. This prediction led to the deployment of a significant number of police officers to maintain order.
- In terms of parliamentary seats, the NFP is projected to have between 171 and 187 deputies, securing a relative majority. The RN, along with its far-right allies, confirmed their progress with 134 to 152 seats, while the presidential bloc is expected to have a maximum of 163 seats.
- The first round of the elections saw the NFP securing 27.98% of the votes, with 32 candidates directly elected. The latest estimates by Ipsos at 9:30 p.m. suggest that the NFP will continue to hold a significant presence in the Hemicycle.
- The French football team's reactions highlight the broader societal impact of the election results. Their statements reflect a collective sigh of relief and a commitment to preventing the far-right from gaining control.
