📷 Image Credits: The Hindu
In a significant move to prevent the far-right from gaining power, more than 200 centrist and left-wing candidates have withdrawn from the upcoming runoff election in France. This decision comes as President Emmanuel Macron and a left-wing coalition aim to block the far-right National Rally party led by Marine Le Pen from securing an absolute majority in the 577-seat National Assembly. The runoff election, scheduled for Sunday, follows a snap legislative poll called by Macron after his camp suffered a defeat in the European elections.
The strategic withdrawals by candidates from various political backgrounds are seen as an attempt to unify the vote against the far-right party. At least 200 candidates, predominantly from the left and Macron’s centrist camp, have chosen to step aside ahead of the registration deadline for the second round. Among the candidates who have pulled out, over 110 belong to the left-wing New Popular Front and more than 70 represent Macron’s camp.
The far-right party emerged victorious in the first round of voting, receiving over 10.6 million votes. However, with only 76 lawmakers elected outright in the initial round, the fate of the remaining 501 seats will be decided in the upcoming runoff between two or three remaining candidates. This move to block the far-right from gaining power has intensified as Macron and the left-wing coalition strategically navigate the runoff election to prevent an absolute majority for the National Rally party.
As the political landscape in France evolves leading up to the decisive runoff election, tensions within the presidential camp and differing approaches towards certain candidates have come to light. The prospect of a hung parliament looms, potentially resulting in months of political uncertainty. The outcome of the runoff holds significant implications for the country’s future governance and international standing, particularly as France is set to host the Olympics with President Macron deeply involved in international affairs, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and a forthcoming NATO summit in Washington.
