BTN News: France is getting ready for the second round of parliamentary elections. Many candidates have stepped back to stop the far-right party from winning. Over 200 candidates from President Emmanuel Macron’s party and the left-wing group have pulled out. Their aim is to stop the far-right from getting the 289 seats needed for a full majority. This move is to keep the far-right away from power.
Many Candidates Quit to Stop Far-Right From Winning
Many candidates from Macron’s party and the left-wing group have stepped down. They want to stop the far-right party, National Rally (RN), from winning. In many districts, no one won in the first round. This left over 300 seats open for the second round. The RN had a good chance of winning these seats. By Tuesday, less than 100 seats were left after many candidates quit. This move may stop RN candidates from winning, said analyst Antoine Bristielle. “The RN had a good chance for a full majority, but now it is less likely due to the withdrawals,” Bristielle said.
Left-Wing Group Uses Strategy to Keep Far-Right Out
The left-wing group, New Popular Union (NFP), wants to lower the retirement age and tax the rich more. They promised to pull out all their candidates who were in third place in the first round. Leslie Mortreux, NFP’s only openly transgender candidate, stepped back. She did this to help right-wing Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin beat his RN rival. Macron’s team also asked their supporters to block the far-right. Some warned not to vote for the far-left party, France Unbowed, which is part of the NFP. Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said no votes should go to the far-right but also said he would not vote for the far-left.
Political Moves and Changes Continue
In the south, a government minister first refused to help an NFP candidate. She said voters should not have to choose between two extremes. The next day, she stepped back due to pressure from the President and Prime Minister. In over 80 contests, Macron’s candidates stepped down for NFP candidates. Many did not tell their supporters to vote for the left-wing opponents. Samuel Deguara, a Macron candidate, said, “I made the tough decision to step back… and let my voters choose between the far-right and far-left.”
What This Means for French Politics in the Future
Far-right leader Marine Le Pen criticized these moves. She said, “Pulling out and giving voting orders shows disrespect for voters.” Before the candidates stepped back, it was likely that the RN would not get a full majority. They were expected to win between 230 and 280 seats in the 577-seat house. RN leader Jordan Bardella said he would not govern with a minority. He would need ally votes to pass laws. If the RN does not get a full majority and Bardella keeps his word, Macron might have to find a Prime Minister from the left or elsewhere. If the RN gets a full majority, it will be the first time a far-right party governs France since World War II.
As the second round of voting nears, these moves show the high stakes. The results will shape France’s future and could lead to big changes in policy and leadership.
