PARIS—In a stunning turn of events, the French left-wing coalition emerged victorious in the recent parliamentary elections, defeating the far-right National Rally party. Despite predictions, the far-right party did not secure a majority of seats.
The elections saw the highest voter turnout in over 40 years. Early estimates indicated the New Popular Front, a recently formed left-wing coalition, leading the race. This coalition quickly came together after President Emmanuel Macron announced snap elections last month.
Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the far-left France Unbowed party, hailed the results as a victory for the left-wing alliance and a rejection of the far-right. “The will of the people must be strictly respected,” he stated to supporters in northern Paris. “Our people have clearly rejected the worst-case scenario,” he added. “Tonight, the National Rally is far from having an absolute majority.”
Preliminary results showed the New Popular Front with the most seats, followed by Macron’s centrist Ensemble coalition, with the National Rally in third. While final results were expected early Monday, no party appeared to have secured an absolute majority, leaving France’s political future uncertain.
Prime Minister Gabriel Attal resigned shortly after the results came in, and Macron is now under pressure to appoint a leader from the leftist coalition.
The election, with a 67.1% turnout, demonstrated a strong rejection of a far-right government. Despite the National Rally making significant gains, its campaign was marred by allegations of racism and antisemitism.
At the National Rally’s electoral base in eastern Paris, supporters were visibly dismayed by the results. “I’m incredibly disappointed, but democracy has spoken,” said 19-year-old party supporter Joscelin Cousin. Many supporters quickly left the venue, leaving celebratory champagne flutes untouched.
Party leader Marine Le Pen was absent, leaving Jordan Bardella, the 28-year-old party president, to address the somber crowd. “Unfortunately, alliances of dishonor tonight have deprived the French people of a policy of recovery,” Bardella said, emphasizing that the party’s struggle for power would continue. “More than ever, the National Rally embodies the only alternative and will stand by the French people,” he concluded.