Historic victory for the far-right in France

The French Interior Ministry announced yesterday (July 1) that the far-right National Rally (RN) and its allies took the lead in the first round of the French parliamentary election on June 30, winning 33% of the vote. The left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) alliance came in second with 28% of the vote, and the centrist alliance of French President Emmanuel Macron came in third with 20%.

Closer to power than ever before

With the victory, RN is aiming for a historic opportunity to form a government and take over as French prime minister, according to AFP. Famous polling organizations in France predict that RN will win a majority of seats in the 577-seat French parliament after the second round, scheduled to take place on July 7. However, it is still unclear whether RN will win the 289 seats needed to achieve an absolute majority. Risk analysis company Eurasia Group (USA) said that RN is unlikely to reach that number.

French President Macron receives a stunning blow from the far-right in the first round of parliamentary elections

Winning an absolute majority of seats is a necessary condition for RN to take power and RN President Jordan Bardella (29 years old) to become prime minister . Mr. Bardella said he was ready to become prime minister and only form a government if RN won at least 289 seats in parliament.

Many people in Paris (France) on June 30 protested against the far-right National Rally (RN) party after the first round election results.

Long unpopular with many in France, RN is now closer to power than ever. Bardella’s predecessor, Marine Le Pen, has sought to clean up the party’s image as a racist, anti-Semitic and anti-immigrant party, a tactic that has paid off amid voter anger at President Macron over high living costs and growing concerns about immigration, according to Reuters.

Mr. Macron's response

Meanwhile, left-wing leader Jean-Luc Melenchon said President Macron's coalition had suffered a "heavy and undeniable" defeat in the early election, according to AFP. Mr. Macron himself called for early elections on June 9 after the RN won the previous European Parliament election.

After the first round of voting, President Macron called for a "broad" coalition against the far-right in the second round. Mr. Macron's left-wing and centrist alliance hopes that tactical voting to prevent RN candidates from winning will prevent the party from achieving an absolute majority.

If RN wins an absolute majority in the National Assembly after the second round, France will have a president and government from two opposing political forces. Mr. Macron will still have power over foreign affairs and security, but his influence on domestic affairs will be significantly reduced.

Additionally, a French government led by RN would raise major questions about where the European Union (EU) is headed, given RN’s opposition to deeper EU integration. Economists also question whether France’s spending plans will be adequately funded, according to Reuters.

Euro rises after first round of elections

On July 1, the euro increased in value after the results of the first round of the French parliamentary election. According to Reuters, the euro increased by 0.4%, to 1 euro equals 1.0756 USD. Previously, the euro decreased by about 0.8% after President Macron called for early elections on June 9.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/chien-thang-lich-su-cho-phe-cuc-huu-o-phap-185240701210914784.htm