📷 Image Credits: India Today
Marine Le Pen’s rightwing National Rally swept France in the EU election. In the first round of French polls, it came first. Then, why did Le Pen’s National Rally come a disastrous third, behind the ultra-Left coalition and President Macron’s centrist bloc?
A month ago, as the results of the 2024 European Parliament elections started pouring in, Marine Le Pen’s nationalist party, National Rally, was seen sweeping the polls with 31% of the votes. In contrast, the coalition of parties led by French President Emmanuel Macron was trounced, receiving less than 15% vote share. Many argued that the moment had finally arrived for Marine Le Pen, an aspirant for the French presidency in the last three contests in 2012, 2017, and 2022.
Later in June, following President Macron’s gamble of calling a snap parliamentary election, a rising National Rally was still seen to be leading ahead of other parties and alliances in France. While the National Rally doubled its support and led the polls in France, it faced a significant defeat in the French parliamentary elections, finishing third behind the ultra-Left coalition and President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist bloc.
One key reason for the National Rally’s defeat could be attributed to the strategic manoeuvring of centrist and leftist opponents, who strategically withdrew candidates from three-way races to avoid splitting the anti-RN vote. The overconfidence of the National Rally in projecting an absolute majority might have alienated voters as Marine Le Pen confidently predicted a triumph with an outright majority that quickly turned into disbelief. The party’s perceived invincibility was dented.
Furthermore, the National Rally faced internal flaws with some candidates making xenophobic remarks, casting doubt on the party’s renewed outlook efforts driven by Marine Le Pen. The second round of the French election saw higher voter turnout driven by a scare among the electorate after the National Rally led in the polls following the first round. Despite the setback, Bardella and Le Pen remain resolute, aiming to persist until seizing power. Le Pen, viewed as too extreme, will have to wait until 2027 for another opportunity amidst her hints at a presidential bid.
Published By: Sushim Mukul Published On: Jul 8, 2024 Must Watch
