France: Sunday’s vote follows the presidential election in April in which Macron secured a second term (File)
Paris:
French President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist coalition was in danger of falling short of a majority after the first round of parliamentary elections on Sunday that saw a surge in support for a new left-wing coalition.
Macron’s “Ensemble” coalition went side-by-side with the leftist NUPES group in Sunday’s first round, both receiving around 25-26 percent of the popular vote.
Expanding these figures, the four voting firms projected that Ensemble would win 225–295 seats in the decisive second round of voting next Sunday, possibly less than a majority of 289 but comfortably the largest group.
“We have a week to mobilize,” Prime Minister Elizabeth Bourne told reporters. “One week to celebrate, one week to get a powerful and clear majority.”
She assists, as “the only political group that was able to obtain a majority”.
The NUPES, a newly unified leftist coalition of Leftists, Socialists, Greens and Communists, was seen winning 150–220 seats, a major success that would make them the largest opposition force in the National Assembly.
“This is a very serious warning that has been sent to Emmanuel Macron,” political scientist Bryce Tinturier told France 2 television, noting how support for the president’s party had fallen since the last election in 2017.
“The majority is far from certain,” he said.
If Macron’s coalition fails, it could mess up bill-by-bill deals with right-wing parties in parliament, or he will have to try to win over the opposition or independent lawmakers.
Under the French constitution, the president has exclusive control over foreign and defense policy, but requires a majority in parliament to pass domestic legislation.
‘first test’
Sunday’s vote follows the presidential election in April, in which Macron secured a second term by defeating far-right leader Marine Le Pen with pledges to cut taxes, improve welfare and raise the retirement age.
Leaving their divisions behind, the French leftists have united behind Jean-Luc Mélenchon, a hard-left veteran who has had a fundamental right, including lowering the retirement age, raising the minimum wage, and creating a wealth tax. Quite a different program.
“NUPES has passed its first test in spectacular fashion,” Mélenchon later told reporters in a statement.
He called for support, especially from the working classes and youth, saying that Macron’s allies were “beaten and defeated”.
Overall turnout on Sunday was forecast to be at a record low of 46.8-47.9, according to polling firms, with moderation especially in working areas.
Le Pen was certain to be re-elected as an MP representing Henin-Beaumont, a former mining town in northern France, with his National Rally Party appearing to increase his representation.
After winning 18.5-19.7 percent of the popular vote on Sunday, it was on track to secure 5-45 seats in the new parliament next weekend, compared to eight seats it currently holds.
More than 15 MPs will give the far right a formal group in parliament, giving it more time to speak and put issues on the agenda as well as additional resources.
Defeated far-right presidential candidate Eric Zemour was eliminated on Sunday after standing in a constituency around Saint-Tropez in southern France.
no honeymoon
While Macron and his European Union allies were reeling from Macron’s win against Le Pen in April, past weeks have not offered a honeymoon to the 44-year-old head of state.
Energy and food prices are on the rise, while English fans’ chagrin and tear gas at the Champions League final in Paris on 28 May have again turned crime.
His new disabled minister, Damien Abad, has also faced two rape charges – which he vehemently denies – while new prime minister Bourne has yet to take effect.
Macron is set to make a public appearance at an arms fair in Paris on Monday morning, which promises to be an intense week of propaganda from all sides.
He and his allies have sought to portray Melenchon as an old-fashioned tax-and-spend leftist whose anti-EU and NATO policies threaten the country.
Mélenchon accused Macron of planning to undermine France’s cherished public services and promised stronger environmental policies and “harmony with nature”.
One political scientist, Jerome Jaffer, said many voters appear to be motivated by a desire to deny Macron an absolute majority.
He told the LCI channel, “It means that they are hoping that they will force them to work more with others, share power and actually change their (way of governing) way, which they have called their president.” promised during the campaign.”
Official figures for Sunday’s polling are expected on Monday morning.
(Except for the title, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)