As the French National Assembly convened on Monday, left-leaning lawmakers voiced their concerns over the rise of right-wing politics in the recent snap parliamentary elections. The fiercely anti-immigration National Rally party’s significant gains in the first round have heightened tensions ahead of the decisive second round.
Re-elected MP for the green party, The Ecologists, Sandrine Rousseau, emphasized the gravity of the situation: “Something close to a historical responsibility is at stake in the coming days and the second round will be absolutely crucial.” Olivier Faure, Head of the Socialist Party and also re-elected, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the broader implications: “This situation can have many consequences, first for the French people but also consequences, because it’s a terrible signal sent, in Europe and consequences in the world.”
The initial round of voting propelled the National Rally closer to governmental power, leaving France at a critical juncture. While dozens of candidates secured outright victories by winning over 50% of the vote, many races will proceed to a second round on July 7 involving the top two or three candidates.
France now faces two possible outcomes in the coming days. The National Rally and its allies might secure a parliamentary majority, or they could be blocked by opponents aiming to prevent the formation of France’s first far-right government since World War II. Both outcomes present significant uncertainty for France and its influence within Europe and beyond.
