Marine Le Pen's National Rally (RN) has secured a historic victory in the first round of France's snap parliamentary elections, winning an unprecedented 12 million votes. The far-right party came first with 33% of the vote, followed by the left-wing New Popular Front on 28%, while President Emmanuel Macron's centrist Ensemble alliance trailed in third with 20%.
The results have brought the far right closer to power than ever before, triggering street demonstrations in Paris, Strasbourg, Lyon, Nantes and Lille. Voter turnout hit a four-decade high of 65.8%, reflecting deep divisions in the country. Macron, who will remain president until 2027, faces a potentially catastrophic blow to his remaining time in power.
However, the outcome is not yet decided. A second round of voting will take place this Sunday, and Le Pen has urged her supporters against complacency, stating, 'For the moment nothing is won, and the second round will determine the outcome.' Both Macron and left-wing figures are rallying voters to tactically block the far right.
Macron dissolved parliament weeks ago after his party suffered a heavy defeat in the European elections, where the RN secured 31% of the vote. Critics argue the gamble has allowed Le Pen to build momentum, while Macron's allies claim he is playing a strategic game. The president has said the election is a moment of clarification, calling the public's bluff on their support for the far right.
