Voters Face Crucial Choice in Decisive Legislative Elections

A Battle Against the Far-Right

The first round of France's snap legislative elections on June 30th saw the far-right National Rally (RN) emerge as the leading force, securing 37 seats. This concerning development prompted a joint effort from the left-wing and centrist parties to prevent the RN from gaining an absolute majority in the second round on July 7th.

Despite their alliance, the RN remains a formidable force, fueled by the growing momentum of far-right movements across Europe. Observers believe the RN's support is unlikely to significantly decrease in just one week, despite efforts from other parties to consolidate votes against them.

The potential outcome of a hung parliament and a volatile political landscape has analysts concerned. The RN's ability to form a government hinges on its final seat count and the willingness of other parties to form a coalition. While such alliances seem unlikely at present, the flexibility of French politics leaves the door open for potential agreements.

The snap elections, triggered by President Macron's Renaissance party's defeat in the European Parliament elections, have plunged France into a period of political uncertainty. This "historic moment to face," as described by French media, reflects the rising tide of far-right forces across Europe, fueled by voter dissatisfaction with traditional pro-establishment parties.

While the near future may see the continued rise of the far-right, Zhao Junjie, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, cautions that a far-right government may also fail to meet public expectations, potentially leading to a backlash in the future.