Far-right wins first round of France’s snap election, survey shows

In a shocking turn of events, the far-right National Rally party has emerged as the winner of the first round of France’s snap parliamentary election, according to an exit poll survey. The results, which were released on Sunday evening, have sent shockwaves throughout the country and have left many wondering what this means for the future of French politics.

The National Rally party, led by Marine Le Pen, secured around 24% of the vote, narrowly edging out President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist coalition, which garnered around 22% of the vote. The left-wing NUPES coalition, led by Jean-Luc Mélenchon, came in third with around 20% of the vote.

The snap election was called by Macron in response to the country’s ongoing political crisis, which has seen widespread protests and strikes over issues such as pension reform, economic inequality, and immigration. The election was seen as a referendum on Macron’s presidency and his ability to lead the country out of its current turmoil.

The far-right’s victory in the first round is a significant blow to Macron’s government, which has been struggling to maintain its popularity in recent months. The National Rally party’s success can be attributed to its ability to tap into the frustrations and anxieties of many French citizens, who feel that the government has failed to address their concerns.

Le Pen’s party has campaigned on a platform of reducing immigration, increasing security, and protecting French identity. While many of its policies have been criticized as xenophobic and divisive, they have resonated with a significant portion of the electorate.

The results of the first round have set the stage for a tense and unpredictable second round, which will take place next Sunday. The top two candidates in each constituency will face off against each other, with the winner securing a seat in the National Assembly.

Macron’s coalition will need to regroup and refocus its efforts if it hopes to retain its majority in the National Assembly. The president has already begun to reach out to other parties, including the NUPES coalition, in an effort to build a broad alliance against the far-right.

The implications of the far-right’s victory are far-reaching and have sparked concerns about the future of French democracy. Many have warned that a National Rally majority in the National Assembly could lead to a rollback of civil liberties and a rise in xenophobic and racist sentiment.

As the country prepares for the second round of voting, one thing is clear: the fate of French politics hangs in the balance. Will Macron’s coalition be able to regroup and hold off the far-right’s challenge, or will France take a dramatic turn to the right? Only time will tell.