Welcome to our live coverage of the 2024 French presidential election. We’ll bring you updates and analysis as the results come in. You’ll learn about the key developments, voter turnout, exit polls, and how the major parties and candidates did. We’ll also look at what the election means for France’s policies at home and abroad.
Key Takeaways
- The 2024 French presidential election has resulted in a surge of support for the far-right National Rally (RN) party led by Marine Le Pen.
- The RN party won 33% of the vote in the first round, followed by the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) alliance with 28% and President Macron’s coalition with over 20%.
- The RN is projected to win between 230 and 280 seats in the 577-seat National Assembly, a significant increase from their current 88 seats.
- The election results have raised concerns about the potential impact of the RN’s policy platform, which includes rolling back pension reforms and cutting taxes on fuel, gas, and electricity.
- Protests have erupted in response to the RN’s strong performance, with thousands gathering in Paris and other cities to voice their opposition to the far-right party.
Far-Right National Rally Surges in First Round
The first round of the French legislative elections showed a big win for the far-right National Rally party. Led by Marine Le Pen, they got 33% of the vote, leading the pack. This is a big hit for President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist group, which only got 21%.
With almost 68% of voters turning out, the election is far from over. The three-way run-offs in many areas will challenge Macron’s allies. They aim to stop the National Rally from getting a majority in the second round on July 7.
National Rally’s Record-Breaking Performance
The National Rally made history in the first round, getting 12 million votes. This big win has lifted far-right parties across Europe. It comes as Viktor Orbán’s Hungary starts its EU presidency.
Many voters turned against Macron’s policies, like pension reforms and EU relations. If the National Rally wins, they’ll likely undo many of Macron’s key policies. They plan to take a tougher stance on the EU.
“The National Rally’s victory in France provided a boost for far-right parties in Europe, coinciding with Viktor Orbán’s Hungary taking over the EU presidency.”
There are worries about civil liberties if the National Rally wins. They’re concerned about police powers and immigration policies.
The first round showed a divided France, with the far-right, left-wing, and Macron’s group all fighting for power. The second round will be intense, with France’s future at stake.
What’s Next After Le Pen’s Victory?
The first round of the 2024 French legislative elections has caused a big stir. Marine Le Pen’s National Rally party did amazingly well, getting 33.1% of the vote. This is almost double what they got in the last election. Now, the second round is set to be very important.
In the second round, the top two in each area and any candidate with over 12.5% of the vote will move on. To stop the National Rally from getting too many seats, the center-right and center-left parties plan to work together. They will ask third-place candidates to step aside and support the second-place candidate against the National Rally.
This strategy aims to block the far-right party from taking power. It’s a move to keep France from having its first far-right government since World War II.
Ipsos exit polls suggest Le Pen and her allies might get 230 to 280 seats. This would be a big increase for them. Macron’s Ensemble coalition got about 21% of the vote, and the left-wing New Popular Front got 28%. The outcome is still up in the air, with a possible hung parliament or a National Rally majority.
Party/Coalition | First Round Vote Share | Projected Seats |
---|---|---|
National Rally and allies | 33.1% | 230-280 |
New Popular Front | 28% | 125-165 |
Macron’s Ensemble | 20.9% | 70-100 |
The second-round votes on July 7 will be key to deciding the next National Assembly. The outcome will greatly affect France’s politics, its foreign policy, and the European political scene. The world is watching to see what happens in the French election 2024.
Anti-Brexit Clément Beaune Loses Paris Seat
Clément Beaune, a key figure in President Emmanuel Macron’s team and a strong anti-Brexit voice, lost his seat in Paris. He got only 32.78% of the vote in the first round of the French legislative elections. Beaune was Macron’s former Europe minister.
Beaune was known for his sharp social media comments on Brexit. He called it an “intellectual fraud” filled with “many lies.” But, he couldn’t win over his voters. Emmanuel Grégoire, from the center-left Socialist Party, took the seat with 50.87% of the votes.
This loss is a big hit for Macron’s coalition. The far-right National Rally (RN) and its allies led the first round, getting 33.2% of the vote. The left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) was second with 28%, and Macron’s team got 20%.
The rise of the far-right RN party is changing how voters act. Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the NFP leader, has pulled out candidates who came in third to stop the National Rally.
Clément Beaune’s loss shows how France’s politics are changing. The far-right is gaining ground, which could lead to the first far-right government in the country.
“I urge all voters to mobilize massively in the second round to elect candidates who are not from the National Rally,” Beaune said after his defeat, emphasizing the need to prevent the far-right from gaining further ground.
Donald Tusk Warns of “Very Dangerous” Shift
Former EU Council President Donald Tusk has warned about the French legislative elections. He sees the far-right National Rally’s lead as a “very dangerous” sign for France and Europe.
Tusk worries about radical right-wing parties gaining power in Europe. He thinks they might be backed by “Russian interference.” He didn’t give details, but his words show growing political tensions in Europe.
“The outcome of the first round of the French legislative elections, with the far-right National Rally emerging as the frontrunner, signals a very dangerous turn for France and Europe.”
The French election results have shocked many in Europe. Marine Le Pen’s party made big gains. Tusk’s warning points to big changes in power and European values.
The next few weeks will be key to seeing how the National Rally’s success affects France and Europe. Experts are watching closely. They want to know why far-right groups are gaining support.
The French election and Tusk’s words highlight Europe’s complex politics. As Europe goes through tough times, finding a balanced way to lead is crucial.
Mélenchon Accepts Bardella’s Debate Challenge
Jean-Luc Mélenchon, a key figure in the left-wing New Popular Front, has agreed to debate Jordan Bardella. Bardella leads the far-right National Rally party. He challenged Mélenchon after his party did well in the first round of the french election. They got 33% of the vote, beating the left-wing alliance’s 28% and President Emmanuel Macron’s 21%.
This debate shows the growing tension between the left and the National Rally party. Mélenchon and Bardella see this debate as crucial. The french election 2024 results keep the nation interested.
The debate will likely be intense. Mélenchon and Bardella want to win over undecided voters and strengthen their political stance.
“This debate is a crucial opportunity to showcase our vision for France’s future. I look forward to engaging with Mr. Bardella and presenting our alternative to the failed policies of the current administration.”
– Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the New Popular Front alliance
The nation is excited for the french election second round. This debate between Mélenchon and Bardella will grab the attention of French voters and others worldwide.
Macron’s Camp Split on Countering Le Pen
The first round of the 2024 French parliamentary elections showed a big win for Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally (RN). They got about 33% of the vote, shocking everyone. This has caused big disagreements in Emmanuel Macron’s team on how to fight back.
Disagreements Over Backing Hard-Left to Keep Out National Rally
Gabriel Attal, Macron’s Prime Minister, wants supporters to vote for the hard-left New Popular Front (NFP) if it’s the only way to stop the RN. But Bruno Le Maire, the Finance Minister, thinks the far-left is just as bad for France as the far-right. This disagreement could hurt Macron’s efforts to stand strong against the National Rally in the next round.
The RN might win a lot of seats in the French National Assembly, which could change Macron’s policies. The left-wing is also doing well, putting Macron’s team in a tough spot. They must decide how to stop the far-right from taking power.
“We cannot give in to the temptation of voting for the extreme left, which is as dangerous for our country as the extreme right,” said Bruno Le Maire, Macron’s Finance Minister, in a direct rebuke of Attal’s call to back the NFP against the RN.
As the second round gets closer, Macron’s team is struggling to present a united front against the National Rally. This could lead to a big win for Marine Le Pen and her party.
Markets Brace for Potential National Rally Impact
As the French election results come in, financial markets are watching closely. They’re worried about what a National Rally win might mean for France’s economy. Marine Le Pen’s party is gaining support, which could change France’s economic direction.
The National Rally (RN) is now leading with 35.4% of the vote, ahead of the New Popular Front (NFP) at 28.1%, and President Macron’s Renaissance at 20.8%. This has made investors and analysts nervous about the RN’s economic plans. They’re concerned about how it could affect France’s credit rating.
Party | Polling Share |
---|---|
National Rally (RN) | 35.4% |
New Popular Front (NFP) | 28.1% |
Renaissance (Macron’s coalition) | 20.8% |
The RN party’s plans, like big tax cuts and more public spending, could cause big budget deficits. These could be over 6% for a while. An NFP government might even lead to deficits near 8%.
The French bond market is already reacting. France’s 10-year bond yield is higher than Belgium’s and close to Portugal’s. The European Commission’s action has also made it harder for the European Central Bank to help France financially.
Stock markets in France started strong, then settled. The CAC 40 index jumped by 1.7%, then hit a 2.8% high. But French government bonds didn’t move much. They did get a bit closer to German bonds, by 7 basis points.
Markets are getting ready for a National Rally win’s possible effects. They’re worried about the party’s economic plans and how they might affect France’s finances and credit ratings. Investors will keep a close eye on the election’s progress.
French election 2024 results
The 2024 French legislative elections have brought big changes to the country’s politics. The far-right National Rally (RN) party, led by Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella, is now leading with 33.15% of the vote. This has caused a stir in France and around the world, hinting at a big change in the National Assembly.
The left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) coalition, made up of the Socialist Party, Greens, and France Unbowed, got 27.99% of the vote. President Emmanuel Macron’s Ensemble alliance came in third with 20.76%.
Over 68% of eligible voters turned out for the first round, the highest since 1997. This big turnout sets the stage for an exciting second round on July 7th. The final seats in the 577-seat National Assembly will be decided then.
Projections show the RN and its allies could get 230 to 280 seats, up from 88 now. The NFP is expected to get 125 to 165 seats. Macron’s Ensemble alliance might win 70 to 100 seats.
The rise of the far-right National Rally has caused widespread worry. Protests in Paris and Lyon saw about 5,500 people show their disapproval. Now, the left and center might try to stop the far-right from gaining more power.
France is on the edge as it waits for the second round of voting. The outcome will decide the new National Assembly and the country’s future direction.
Key Highlights:
- National Rally (RN) party won around 33.15% of the vote in the first round, leading the polls.
- Left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) coalition secured 27.99% of the votes.
- President Macron’s centrist Ensemble alliance received 20.76% of the vote.
- In the first round, 76 candidates were elected, with 39 from RN, 32 from NFP, and 2 from Ensemble.
- Projections suggest RN and its allies could win 230-280 seats, while NFP is expected to secure 125-165 seats.
- Voter turnout was high at nearly 68%, the highest since 1997.
- Protests against the far-right surge have erupted in major French cities.
- Left-wing and centrist parties may unite to block further gains by the far-right through the “cordon sanitaire” strategy.
The French election results are still coming in, and the nation is at a crossroads. The next few days will be key in deciding the future of French politics.
Bardella: “Two Choices” for France
After the French parliamentary election, Jordan Bardella, the leader of the far-right National Rally party, spoke up. He said the French people now have “two choices”. They can either go for an alliance of the “extreme left” or a government of “national unity” led by the National Rally.
The National Rally did amazingly well in the first round, getting 33.4% of the vote. This has made people talk about a possible deal where a centrist president works with a far-right prime minister. This idea is seen as “very dangerous” by Donald Tusk, the former European Council president.
Bardella wants to use his party’s success to his advantage. He’s calling out Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the leader of the left-wing New Popular Front alliance, for a debate. Bardella plans to show how his idea of “national unity” is different from the left’s plans for France.
The French election results could change the country’s politics a lot. With 69.7% of voters showing up, people are really interested in the outcome. As the second round comes closer, the French will have to make a big decision. This choice will affect France and the whole of Europe.
“The French people have two choices: either an alliance of the extreme left in power, or a government of national unity led by the National Rally.”
Some worry about a National Rally government because of its nationalist and anti-immigration views. Critics say a government led by Bardella could harm France’s ties with the European Union and threaten civil rights. But, Bardella and his supporters believe their “national unity” idea is the best way to solve big issues like the cost of living and protect French identity.
The French election is far from over, and the next few weeks will be key to its outcome. The choices are clear, and the world is watching. France is at a crossroads, making a big decision that will impact its future.
Tourists Caught in Post-Election Protests
France was in turmoil after the 2024 parliamentary elections. The far-right National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen, made a big impact. This led to protests and unrest in Paris.
Tourists, hoping to see the city’s beauty, got caught in the chaos. They saw police and protesters on famous streets. It was a scary scene.
“It was a complete shock,” said Sarah, a tourist from the United States. “We had no idea the situation was so tense when we booked our trip. Suddenly, we were surrounded by protesters and police, and it was all quite frightening.”
The protests affected tourism a lot. Visitors were told to be careful and avoid some areas. Hotels and restaurants saw fewer guests because people were worried about safety.
But, some tourists didn’t let the protests stop them. “We came to see Paris, and we’re not going to let a few protests ruin our trip,” said John, a traveler from Canada. “We’re just trying to be cautious and stay away from the main demonstration areas.”
The country was waiting for the second round of elections. The tourism industry was worried about the future. It’s a big part of France’s economy.
Paris showed chaos and unrest. This showed how important the election was. The world watched as France faced big decisions about its future.
Kremlin: French Vote Reflects Europe-Wide Trends
The Kremlin sees the French legislative election results as part of a bigger trend in Europe. They point to the rise of far-right and populist parties across the continent. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, says Moscow is keeping a close eye on France’s election. He believes it shows a shift in European politics.
The far-right National Rally party did well, getting 33.15% of the vote in the first round. This is a big challenge for President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist group, which only got 20.04% of the votes.
European Union leaders are worried about the French election’s impact on politics. Donald Tusk, the former President of the European Council, says the move to the far-right is “very dangerous” for Europe.
Party | Vote Share |
---|---|
National Rally and Allies | 33.15% |
New Popular Front | 27.99% |
Together for the Republic (Macron’s Coalition) | 20.04% |
The Kremlin believes the French election shows big changes for Europe. The rise of far-right and populist parties could shake up politics, foreign policy, and ties with global powers like Russia. Everyone is watching to see what happens next in France.
Conclusion
The 2024 French legislative elections have changed the political scene. The far-right National Rally (RN) party is now a major force. They got about 33% of the vote in the first round, setting up a big change in French politics.
The second round of voting on July 7th is coming up. It’s possible the RN could win a majority in the National Assembly. This would change France’s domestic policies and could affect Europe too. The idea of a “cohabitation” scenario, where the president and prime minister are from different parties, adds more complexity.
The 2024 election shows the far-right’s growing power and the challenges for traditional political groups. The high voter turnout shows how important these elections are for France’s future. As France goes through these changes, the world is watching to see what happens next and what it means for France’s policies at home and abroad.
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