Marine Le Pen’s National Rally Surges in France’s Parliamentary Elections

Marine Le Pen's National Rally Surges in France's Parliamentary Elections

In a historic first-round victory, Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally (RN) secured 33% of the vote in France's parliamentary elections, according to official results released by the interior ministry on Monday.

The RN's impressive performance places it ahead of the leftwing bloc, which garnered 28%, and President Emmanuel Macron's centrists, who received just 20%.

This outcome marks a significant setback for Macron, who had called the snap election after the RN's strong showing in last month's European Parliament elections.

Second Round Voting

As the political landscape shifts, leaders from the leftwing New Popular Front and Macron's Renaissance party announced plans to withdraw their candidates in numerous districts. This strategic move aims to consolidate the anti-RN vote ahead of next Sunday's runoff.

Once a fringe party often criticized for racism and antisemitism, the RN has worked to soften its image. This strategy has resonated with voters disillusioned by Macron's policies, the rising cost of living, and concerns over immigration.

French markets responded positively to the RN's results, which were slightly below some opinion poll predictions. The party has scaled back some populist economic policies, such as exempting under-30s from income tax, while maintaining its commitment to lowering energy prices without providing specific plans.

\"I think it's a slight 'Well, there were no surprises', so there was a sense of relief there,\" said Fiona Cincotta, senior markets analyst at City Index.

RN lawmakers have called on center-right Republicans (LR) party members, who received less than 7% of the first-round vote, to withdraw in certain districts to prevent splitting the anti-RN vote. While some LR members have shown sympathy towards the RN, leading to public disagreements, the party has yet to clarify its overall strategy.

All candidates who advanced to the first round have until Tuesday evening to confirm their participation in the second round.