France has commenced voting in a pivotal election, with Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally (RN) and its allies positioned to become a major force in the national assembly.
After a mandated day of political silence, polling began across mainland France at 8 am local time on Sunday.
Reliable seat projections from pollsters are expected as major city polling stations close at 8 pm.
Recent polls indicate a decline in the projected number of RN deputies, as rival candidates withdraw from three-way run-offs to prevent splitting the anti-far-right vote.
The “republican front” is anticipated to block the Eurosceptic, anti-immigration party from achieving a 289-seat majority.
A final Ipsos poll suggests the RN and its allies might secure between 175 and 205 seats in the 577-seat parliament.
This would still result in the RN having a significantly larger parliamentary presence than its previous 88 deputies, whereas the number of MPs from President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist coalition is expected to halve to at most 148.
The New Popular Front (NFP), a left-wing alliance led by Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s radical left Unbowed France (LFI), is predicted to win between 145 and 175 seats, potentially making it the second-largest group in the assembly.
Macron, who initiated this snap election following a defeat by the RN in the European parliamentary elections, is likely to face the remainder of his presidency without a clear majority.
“Today the danger is a majority dominated by the extreme right and that would be catastrophic,” stated Prime Minister Gabriel Attal in a final interview on Friday.
Attal has vowed to continue in a caretaker role while Macron and his advisors consider their next steps, which could include forming a broad coalition excluding the far right and far left, or establishing a technocratic government.
The election outcome may lead France, a key EU member and significant NATO power, into a prolonged period of parliamentary deadlock and political uncertainty.
Le Pen has claimed the far-right could secure an absolute majority, urging voters to prevent “a total quagmire” by giving the RN a clear mandate.
She has criticized the republican front as an effort to subvert the “will of the people” and create a “single party” protecting the political elite.
Her lieutenant, Jordan Bardella, has stated he will only assume the prime minister role if the RN achieves an outright majority.
Despite moderating some positions, the RN still plans to reduce immigration, restrict dual nationals from certain state jobs, abolish birthright citizenship, and introduce “national preference” for some welfare benefits.
Analysts attribute the RN’s rise to public discontent with Macron, whose pro-business policies have boosted the economy but are seen as neglecting concerns about living costs and deteriorating public services.
The campaign has been marred by increasing tensions and violence, with over 50 candidates and activists assaulted.
Some required hospital treatment. Outgoing Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin reported more than 30 arrests and condemned the “climate of great violence towards politics.”
With France set to host the summer Olympics in two weeks, around 30,000 police officers, including 5,000 in Paris, are deployed to prevent post-election unrest, and street protests near parliament have been banned.
John Cena Announces Retirement From In-Ring Competition In 2025, WWE Says
