French voters turned out in unprecedented numbers on Sunday for the first round of snap parliamentary elections, a historic and potentially transformative moment for the nation. This election could see the far-right National Rally (RN) party, led by Marine Le Pen, rise to power for the first time. President Emmanuel Macron shocked the nation by calling for these snap polls after his centrist forces were trounced by the RN in recent European Parliament elections.
The decision to call snap elections was a bold and risky move by Macron. His alliance is predicted to finish third behind the RN and the new leftist New Popular Front (NFP). The uncertainty of the election results and their potential repercussions have created a tense atmosphere in France. Julien Martin, a 38-year-old architect voting in Bordeaux, reflected this sentiment, saying, “These are not easy elections, the results are very uncertain, and the repercussions could be serious for society.”
The elections have become one of the most polarizing in recent French history. By 5:00 pm, the turnout was reported at 59.39%, significantly higher than the same stage in the last parliamentary elections in 2022. Projections indicate a final turnout of 67.5-69.7%, which would be the highest participation in a legislative election since 1981. This surge in voter turnout underscores the gravity with which the French public views this election.
The context of the elections is crucial. With Russia’s war against Ukraine in its third year and the resulting spike in energy and food prices, the anti-immigration and eurosceptic RN party has gained significant support. If the RN wins, it would mark the first time the far-right has taken power in France since the Nazi occupation during World War II. The 28-year-old RN party chief, Jordan Bardella, a protégé of Marine Le Pen, could become prime minister, leading to a tense “cohabitation” with Macron.
In major cities like Marseille and Paris, voters expressed their concerns and hopes as they cast their ballots. Nabil Agueni, a 40-year-old voter in Marseille, emphasized the importance of participating in the election, saying, “As long as we have a choice, it’s better to go and vote.” In Paris, 79-year-old Nicole Cherprenet shared her fears about the future.
The high stakes of the election have led to precautionary measures in major cities. Shopkeepers in Lyon and Rennes boarded up their storefronts in anticipation of possible riots, highlighting the tension and uncertainty surrounding the election outcome.
Opinion polls suggest that the RN is on course to win the largest number of seats in the National Assembly, although it is unclear if they will secure an outright majority. Final polls have given the RN between 35% and 37% of the vote, with the left-wing NFP alliance at 27.5-29% and Macron’s centrist camp at 20-21%. Mujtaba Rahman, Europe head at Eurasia Group, noted that high turnout is crucial, as it would allow more candidates to qualify and potentially lead to strategic withdrawals to prevent the far-right from winning in the second round of voting.
As the polling stations in major cities were set to close at 8:00 pm, projections based on initial results were eagerly awaited. Voters in France’s overseas territories had already cast their ballots, with New Caledonia reporting a high turnout of 60%, compared to 32.5% in the 2022 legislative polls.
Macron’s decision to call the snap elections has plunged the country into political turmoil, affecting the economy as well. The Paris stock exchange suffered its biggest monthly decline in two years in June, dropping by 6.4%. The charged campaign has also seen a spike in hate speech, intolerance, and racism, with Macron condemning any form of racism or anti-Semitism.
The RN’s rise has been met with both support and fear. As Marine Le Pen campaigned in her stronghold of Henin-Beaumont, where she is running for re-election, the political landscape of France seemed poised for significant change. The left-wing parties, united under the New Popular Front, hope to combat the rise of the far-right, reminiscent of alliances formed in the past to fight fascism.
As France awaits the results of the second round of voting on July 7, the country stands at a crossroads. The outcome of these elections could reshape the nation’s political future, reflecting a broader desire for change and new leadership amid ongoing economic and social challenges.
