Over 200 French Candidates Withdraw to Block Far-Right Majority in Elections

Jul 3, 2024, 04:15 AM

As France approaches the second round of its high-stakes parliamentary elections, a significant number of candidates from centrist and left-wing parties have withdrawn in an effort to block the far-right National Rally (RN) from securing an absolute majority. Marine Le Pen's RN, which has seen substantial growth, is facing a coordinated effort from President Emmanuel Macron's camp and left-wing alliances to prevent it from gaining the 289 seats needed for a majority. Reports indicate that over 200 candidates have stepped aside, leaving only those with the best chance of defeating RN candidates. According to Le Monde and Le Figaro, there are now only 19 key constituencies uncovered by local or national voting pacts. Despite these efforts, Le Pen remains determined to seek broad support to form a government, even if her party falls short of an outright majority. Polls suggest that RN is projected to win between 190 and 220 seats, significantly below the threshold required for an absolute majority. The political maneuvering has led to a likely scenario of a hung parliament, which could result in a period of legislative and political uncertainty for France.