France has seen a dramatic turn in its politics after the first round of legislative elections resulted in a victory for Marine Le Pen’s far-right national party. The majority of votes went to the National Front, leaving French President Emmanuel Macron calling for the establishment of a broad democratic coalition as a counter-reaction to the rise of the right-wing bloc to power.
The new Popular Front is made up of a diverse range of parties, from moderate center-left to far-left, Eurosceptic and anti-NATO party “Unyielding France,” led by one of Macron’s fiercest opponents. Yesterday (Sunday), the National Union party of Le Pen and Girls won 34% of the votes, compared to the left bloc which won 28.1% and the presidential bloc with 20.3%.
Fear is rising in the West over Le Pen’s victory in the French elections and its potential consequences, such as dissolving the alliance against Russia. While Macron’s victory is viewed as an unprecedented achievement for Le Pen and her party, it is also seen as discrimination against him.
The upcoming second round of legislative elections will be critical in determining France’s political future, with significant support gained by Le Pen’s far-right national party in the first round. The outcome of these elections will not only shape France’s domestic politics but also have implications for Europe and international relations.