French Political Landscape Shifts as Over 210 Candidates Withdraw to Block Far-Right Majority

As France approaches the July 7 second round of legislative elections, an unprecedented political maneuver has unfolded with over 210 candidates from left-wing parties and President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist alliance withdrawing from the race. This strategic move aims to prevent the far-right National Rally (RN), led by Marine Le Pen, from securing a majority in the National Assembly.The withdrawals come in response to the RN’s surprising first-round victory, where they secured approximately 33.18% of the votes, outpacing both Macron’s centrist alliance and the left-wing New Popular Front coalition. The strategy is designed to avoid splitting the anti-RN vote, leaving only one rival for the far-right candidate in each constituency.The number of withdrawals has significantly reduced the number of three-candidate races from 311 to 110, intensifying the electoral battle. Jordan Bardella, the RN’s 28-year-old prime ministerial candidate, has denounced these withdrawals as ‘dishonorable alliances’. Bardella stated that he would not accept the position of Prime Minister without a majority but hasn’t ruled out forming a government with other right-wing deputies if approaching a majority.Despite these efforts, the outcome of the election remains uncertain. Projections suggest the RN may fall short of an absolute majority, winning between 230 and 280 seats. The party needs 289 seats for an absolute majority in the 577-seat National Assembly.The election has become a referendum on Macron’s leadership, with his own popularity affected by the RN’s strong showing. President Macron has called for a ‘broad democratic coalition’ against the far-right, urging voters to support ‘clearly republican and democratic’ candidates.As France heads into this crucial vote, several scenarios remain possible: an RN majority, a hung parliament, or a coalition government. The outcome will have significant implications for France’s political landscape and its role in the European Union.

Key points

  • Over 210 candidates from left-wing parties and Macron’s alliance have withdrawn to prevent the far-right National Rally from securing a majority.
  • The National Rally won 33.
  • 18% of votes in the first round, leading both Macron’s alliance and the left-wing coalition.

  • Jordan Bardella, RN’s prime ministerial candidate, has not ruled out forming a government with other right-wing deputies if approaching a majority.
  • The election outcome remains uncertain, with projections suggesting the RN may win between 230 and 280 seats, short of the 289 needed for an absolute majority.
  • Contradictions👾While most sources report over 210 candidate withdrawals, one source mentions 215 withdrawals.

    This minor discrepancy could be due to different reporting times or methodologies.

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