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Hundreds Gather at Place de la République in Paris as RN Leads in First Round of Legislative Elections

The first round of France’s legislative elections has propelled the far-right National Rally to a potential win, sparking protests across the country.

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Nimrah Khatoon
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Hundreds gather at Place de la République in Paris as far-right surges ahead in French legislative elections.

Hundreds gather at Place de la République in Paris as far-right surges ahead in French legislative elections.

In a shocking turn of events, the National Rally (RN) and its allies have surged ahead in the first round of France’s legislative elections, positioning themselves for a potential large relative majority, or even an absolute majority, in the National Assembly. Projections from three prominent polling institutes estimate that the RN could secure between 240 and 310 seats. The results have sparked widespread outrage and concern among the French populace, culminating in significant protests across the country.

On the evening of Sunday, June 30, several hundred people gathered at Place de la République in Paris to express their dismay at the election results. Organized by various leftist groups, the demonstration aimed to voice strong opposition to the far-right's electoral success. The mood was tense, with chants of “And the youth piss off the National Rally” resonating through the crowd. As night fell, the gathering grew in size, reflecting the widespread discontent with the RN's unexpected lead.

Maud, a part-time performer at the protest, held up a placard reading "Ére Haine" (Era of Hate). "I thought it worked well. Yes, it's true, we can see it tonight, France is a racist country," she said, her voice tinged with bitterness. Thierry, a 59-year-old school teacher, stood nearby, visibly shaken. "I didn't think I'd see this," he said, struggling to hold back tears. "I understand that people feel abandoned and vote RN. But what haven't we done for them?"

Why this matters: The RN’s potential majority in the National Assembly marks a significant shift in France’s political landscape, highlighting deep divisions within the country. The rise of the far-right is not just a political phenomenon but a reflection of underlying socio-economic issues, including unemployment, immigration, and national identity. The election results suggest that a significant portion of the French electorate feels neglected by traditional political parties, turning instead to the RN as a voice of change.

The RN’s ascendancy poses serious concerns for the future of French democracy and civil liberties. Lucie, a 33-year-old immigration lawyer, expressed her fears: "As soon as I heard the results, I came here so as not to be alone. I'm arguing with everyone at the moment to mobilize those I can. It's the justice system and the press who will suffer first if the RN is in power." The RN’s hardline stance on immigration, law and order, and media freedom could lead to significant policy shifts that undermine democratic norms and human rights.

The leftist response to the RN’s rise is crucial in shaping the political discourse moving forward. The protest at Place de la République and similar demonstrations across France indicate a mobilization effort to counter the far-right’s narrative. In Lyon, clashes between protesters and police underscored the high stakes of this political moment. Barricades were erected, and mortars were fired at police, who responded with tear gas grenades. These events highlight the urgency felt by many to resist the far-right’s advance and defend democratic values.

Key Takeaways

  • The National Rally and its allies are poised to potentially secure a large relative or absolute majority in the French National Assembly, marking a significant political shift.
  • The election results have sparked protests across France, with significant demonstrations in Paris and Lyon, reflecting widespread discontent and fear.
  • The RN's potential rise to power poses serious concerns for French democracy, civil liberties, and human rights, particularly in areas such as immigration and media freedom.
  • The RN's success highlights deep socio-economic divisions within France, with many voters feeling neglected by traditional political parties.
  • The response from leftist groups and their efforts to mobilize against the far-right will be crucial in shaping the future political landscape and defending democratic values.