French voters will head to the polls on Sunday for the final round of snap legislative elections. The outcome could potentially force President Emmanuel Macron to cooperate with far-right opponents or lead to political instability just weeks before the Paris Summer Olympics.
Macron initiated the elections for the 577-seat National Assembly, France’s prominent lower house of Parliament, in a high-stakes move that backfired in the first round of voting last week. Most polls will close at 6 p.m. local time on Sunday, extending to 8 p.m. in larger cities, with initial seat projections expected shortly after. Official results will be released overnight.
The key question is whether the far-right National Rally, led by Jordan Bardella, can win enough seats for an absolute majority. In the first round, the National Rally led, followed by the left-wing New Popular Front, and Macron’s centrist party in third. While 76 seats were decided, with nearly half going to the National Rally, the remaining seats went to runoff elections. Over 300 districts saw three-way races, but many left-wing and centrist candidates withdrew to prevent the far-right from winning.
Polling indicates that the National Rally and its allies might secure 175 to 240 seats, falling short of the 289 needed for an absolute majority. However, if they do gain a majority, Macron would have to govern alongside them under a cohabitation arrangement. France’s prime minister and cabinet are accountable to the lower house but appointed by the president, leading to possible contention given their opposing political stances.
Should no party achieve an absolute majority, the lower house may remain divided into three blocs: the National Rally, the New Popular Front, and a diminished centrist alliance. This could result in unprecedented political deadlock, as French political culture traditionally does not favor compromise or coalition-building. Potential outcomes include a caretaker government until a resolution is found.
The campaign has been marred by tension, racist incidents, and violence, with fears of post-election unrest. Authorities have deployed 30,000 security personnel nationwide to maintain order.
Original Story https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/06/world/europe/france-parliamentary-election-2024.html
Category : France,Elections,Macron, Emmanuel (1977- ),Politics and Government,National Rally (France),New Popular Front (French Political Party),Bardella, Jordan (1995- )
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