In the ongoing political landscape of France, tensions are running high as the far-right Rassemblement National (RN) poses a significant challenge to the traditional political parties. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has urged voters to unite and prevent the RN from attaining an absolute majority in the upcoming legislative elections. Attal’s call comes as over 200 candidates from leftist and centrist parties have withdrawn from the race to consolidate support against the RN. The RN, led by Marine Le Pen, emerged victorious in the first round of polls, signaling a potential shift in power. However, strategic alliances and tactical voting are now being employed to thwart the far-right’s ascent to government. The possibility of a coalition government involving pro-Macron centrists, traditional rightists, Socialists, and Greens is being considered as an alternative to a far-right administration. Former Prime Minister Edouard Philippe and other influential figures have expressed their support for such a coalition to safeguard against the RN’s governance. Despite the challenges posed by the RN, Macron has maintained his distance from the election’s final phase, leaving the outcome to unfold. The upcoming second round of the legislative elections will determine whether France will be governed by the far-right or witness a diverse coalition taking charge of the nation.
