Official election results published by the French government

Macron's Snap Election Gamble as Le Pen's National Rally Leads Polls at 36% Ahead of July 7

Jun 24, 2024, 12:13 PM

French President Emmanuel Macron's decision to call a snap election has led to significant political turmoil, with Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally emerging as the frontrunner in recent polls. The election, set to culminate on July 7, has seen Macron's centrist alliance struggling against both the far-right and the left-wing New Popular Front. An Ipsos poll indicated that 25% of respondents trust the National Rally on economic issues, compared to 22% for the New Popular Front and 20% for Macron's alliance. Macron dissolved parliament following his party's defeat in the European elections, aiming to avoid further turmoil. Financial markets have reacted with concern, fearing the rise of extreme political positions. National Rally's finance point man has promised fiscal restraint and adherence to EU fiscal rules, while the party's leader, Jordan Bardella, has pledged to curb immigration and tackle cost-of-living issues. The National Rally is currently polling at 36%. The political landscape in France remains deeply fractured, with potential implications for the broader European Union.