Opponents of France's far-right sought to form a united front against Marine Le Pen's National Rally (RN) after the party achieved historic gains in the first round of a parliamentary election. The RN and its allies secured 33% of the vote, surpassing a left-wing bloc with 28% and significantly ahead of President Emmanuel Macron's centrist alliance, which garnered only 22%. Despite a market rally in relief that the RN's tally was not higher, it was still a major setback for Macron, following a previous defeat by the RN in the European Parliament election.
Jean-Claude Gaillet, a 64-year-old RN supporter from Henin-Beaumont, expressed satisfaction with the results, highlighting the need for change. However, others, like Yamina Addou from Oignies, feared the RN's rise would increase societal tensions. The RN needs at least 289 seats for a majority in parliament. Pollsters estimate the party is on track for 250-300 seats, but this could change with tactical withdrawals from other parties in the next round.
Both the left-wing New Popular Front and Macron's centrist alliance indicated they would withdraw candidates in districts where others were better positioned to defeat the RN. However, it was unclear if this would always apply to candidates from the far-left France Unbowed (LFI) party. Macron emphasized that preventing an RN majority was the top priority, suggesting the pact could include LFI candidates on a case-by-case basis.
Pollster Ipsos found three-way contests in around 300 of the 577 National Assembly seats, with third-placed candidates already withdrawing in about 160 of these. Analysts question if French voters will still follow leaders' directives in casting second-round ballots against the far-right.
The RN, historically viewed as a pariah, is now closer to power than ever. Le Pen has worked to clean up the party's image, resonating with voters dissatisfied with Macron. The RN's gains were celebrated by nationalists and far-right groups across Europe. Concerns were raised by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Spain's Socialist premier Pedro Sanchez about the implications for the EU and ethnic minorities under an RN-led government.
Financial markets reacted positively on Monday, relieved that the RN did not perform better. However, a hung parliament remains a possibility, which could make France difficult to govern for the rest of Macron's term. Candidates have until Tuesday evening to confirm participation in the second round. In response to the vote, Prime Minister Gabriel Attal suspended unemployment reform plans, potentially easing left-wing support for Macron allies. Meanwhile, RN lawmakers urged centre-right Republicans (LR) to withdraw from districts where it would benefit the RN. The LR has not yet clarified its position. Jordan Bardella, RN's potential prime minister, attacked left-wing parties, labeling the far-left as "an existential threat" to France.