In the final days before France’s crucial election, the far-right National Rally (RN) has surged in the polls, with one suggesting they could win a historic parliamentary majority. Marine Le Pen’s party has maintained a lead since President Emmanuel Macron called the surprise ballot after a defeat in the European parliamentary elections.
Two polls showed RN pulling further ahead, with projections of winning 37% of the national vote and potentially up to 295 seats in parliament. The party has pledged to boost spending power, cut immigration, and restore law and order.
The New Popular Front (NFP) leftist alliance and Macron’s centrist bloc trail behind in the polls. Analysts attribute RN’s rise to public dissatisfaction with Macron’s economic reforms and handling of public services.
In a televised debate, RN’s president Jordan Bardella sought to reassure voters on foreign policy, denying reports of racist comments by some RN candidates. Macron and his allies have criticized the far-right party, warning of a potential deadlock in parliament or a tumultuous cohabitation if RN wins an absolute majority.
The campaign has been marked by controversy, with France’s media watchdog slapping warnings on a prominent radio host for biased coverage favoring RN. With the election on the horizon, the future of French politics hangs in the balance as voters decide between Macron’s centrist vision and a potential far-right majority led by Le Pen’s National Rally.
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