At the right-wing National Rally partyled by Marine Le Pen, has claimed victory in the first round of France’s snap parliamentary elections. Elections, called by Macron after the recent defeat in the European Parliament elections, has caused France to be in a situation of political uncertainty, with second round runoff on July 7 set to determine the final result.
According to a Daily Mail report, tensions are rising, shops and businesses have been braced for possible riots in France. Paris has witnessed scenes of riots as militant activists take to the streets, light flares and engage in vandalism. Shop windows were smashed, and flames lit up across the historic city, which will host the Olympics in 25 days. Barricades intended for crowd control were set on fire, while many protesters crossed the Place de la Republique. The scene of chaos and destruction has raised concerns about the country’s stability and the potential for further violence in the coming days, the Daily Mail reports.
Here’s everything you need to know about the French election and its possible impact:
What caused the snap election in France?
According to a Daily Mail report, tensions are rising, shops and businesses have been braced for possible riots in France. Paris has witnessed scenes of riots as militant activists take to the streets, light flares and engage in vandalism. Shop windows were smashed, and flames lit up across the historic city, which will host the Olympics in 25 days. Barricades intended for crowd control were set on fire, while many protesters crossed the Place de la Republique. The scene of chaos and destruction has raised concerns about the country’s stability and the potential for further violence in the coming days, the Daily Mail reports.
Here’s everything you need to know about the French election and its possible impact:
What caused the snap election in France?
- President Emmanuel Macron called for snap elections after centrist forces were defeated by National Rally in European Parliament elections earlier this month.
What was the result of the last French snap election?
- The far-right National Rally Party, led by Marine Le Pen, won the first round of snap parliamentary elections. He got about 34% of the vote, ahead of his left and center rivals.
- “The French have shown their willingness to turn the page with a degrading and corrosive force,” Le Pen told the cheering crowd. “Nothing is won and the second round is decisive,” Le Pen, who has long worked to rid the party of its extremist roots, told supporters.
How did the National Rally compare to other parties?
- The National Rally won around 34% of the vote, with the New Popular Front coalition in second place with around 29%, and President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist alliance in third with around 21%.
What is the potential outcome of the upcoming runoff on July 7?
- The runoff could result in the National Rally forming a government if they secure an absolute majority of at least 289 seats. However, a complicated voting system and potential political deals make the results uncertain.
- If the RN wins the highest share of the vote and receives the post of prime minister, the period of “cohabitation” with Macron will begin. This has happened three times in modern French political history, but with mainstream parties. RNs may struggle to get ideas for change adopted.
What are the implications of the National Rally victory?
- The victory of the National Rally could lead to a period of “cohabitation” in which far-right parties govern together with President Macron, implementing policies that differ from Macron’s centrist agenda. It will be the first time far-right forces have taken power in France since World War II.
How did President Macron respond to the election results?
- In a statement, Macron called for a “broad” alliance against the right in the second round, which would see a run-off vote between two or three candidates with no outright winner in the first round.
- Macron said the high turnout in the first round spoke of “the importance of this vote for all our compatriots and the desire to clarify the political situation”.
What are the main issues driving support for the National Rally?
- The National Rally platform, which includes strict immigration controls and a nationalist agenda, has resonated with voters who dislike traditional parties and are concerned about issues like immigration and national identity.
What is the reaction from the success of the National Rally?
- Supporters of the National Rally were overjoyed, seeing the win as a shift towards a vision for France. On the contrary, the enemy predicts a period of civil unrest and intense political struggle.
What could happen if no party wins an absolute majority?
- Article 8 of the constitution says that the president chooses the prime minister, but does not state what criteria should be used.
- In practice, President Emmanuel Macron will be expected to offer the job to the leading parliamentary group – which opinion polls and the first round of voting suggest will be eurosceptic, anti-immigration RN.
- If no party secures an absolute majority, France could face political paralysis with little or no legislation adopted. A caretaker government may run its day-to-day affairs, and Macron will have to navigate complex political negotiations.
What are the wider implications of this election for France and Europe?
- A far-right victory in France could have significant implications for European politics, especially on issues like immigration and European integration. The international community is watching closely as France prepares for the upcoming Olympics and navigates this turbulent political period.
(With input from agencies)
