Last Sunday, 76 out of a total of 577 seats in the French Parliament were completed in the first round of elections.
After the first round, the National Assembly (RN) and its allies won the largest with 34 percent of the vote. The left-wing alliance New People’s Front (NFP), which was created in connection with President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement of new elections, is close behind at 28 percent and looks set to become the second largest.
Elections in France 2024
French government spokesperson attacked
The far right rushed – but the left just behind in the French election
In all opinion polls, National Gathering appears to be the largest party even in the second election round. But neither the National Assembly nor the left-wing alliance New People’s Front (NFP) looks set to win a majority, according to an opinion poll published by the French public service company Franceinfo on Friday.
Macron may be forced to co-govern
If that is the election result, the parliamentary situation in France will be difficult because no one will have their own majority. Macron has previously said that he will remain as the country’s president, but may then be forced to co-govern with the National Assembly. Macron is also forced to appoint a prime minister from the National Assembly if it is the far-right party that receives the most votes.
At the same time, National Gathering’s party leader, Jordan Bardella, has said on several occasions that he does not want to become prime minister unless the party gets a majority. If there is no government in place, decisions cannot be made in the national assembly.
Asked candidates to withdraw
In 306 constituencies, there were three candidates who advanced to the second round. Macron has, since Sunday, called on left and center candidates who advanced but came third to withdraw. It is to stop the National Assembly from becoming the largest party.
According to Le Monde newspaper, 224 candidates have withdrawn to block the far-right party. There are still 82 constituencies where there are three candidates to vote for.
The result in the first round provoked strong reactions in the country and in Paris there were large protests. To ensure that there is no unrest after the second round, the government has called in 30,000 extra police officers during election night.
At around eight o’clock Swedish time, the polling stations close. In connection with that, a first election survey is presented. The election results are expected to be announced late on Sunday evening.