France’s Record Turnout in First Round of Legislativo Elections Amidst Political Polarization and Concern Over Far-Right Gains

France’s first day of voting for the legislative elections saw record turnout, with 59.4% of eligible voters casting their ballots by 5 pm. This was a 20% increase from the same period in 2022 and the highest turnout since 1986, when midday turnout was 63.6%.

Prominent figures in French politics, including President Emmanuel Macron and far-right leader Marine Le Pen, have cast their votes in the first round. Preliminary results show leading candidates in Guadeloupe and Guyana, while a candidate has already declared victory in Polynesia.

The upcoming second round of voting is contentious, with polls indicating that the far-right Rassemblement National led by Le Pen could win a majority in the 577-member National Assembly. Macron has called a government meeting to discuss next steps. The possibility of the far right gaining power has sparked concern and calls for mobilization against extremism.

The campaign leading up to the elections revealed two contrasting trends: hope for change among left-wing supporters and increased fear and polarization fueled by far-right and far-left parties. Macron’s decision to hold early elections following the RN’s victory in the European Parliament elections has heightened uncertainty in France and Europe at large. Despite efforts to present voters with a critical choice for the country’s future, Macron may have underestimated the popularity of the far right. The potential for a Rassemblement National majority in the National Assembly raises concerns about the future direction of France