France may wake up on Monday to a far-right government. Marine Le Pen’s National Rally (RN) party did well in the first round of voting, but a majority is unlikely. Centrist and leftist parties are teaming up to stop the RN.
Regardless of the final result, the election will have a huge impact. Even if the RN doesn’t win a majority, it will likely secure more seats than any other group. This could change the political landscape in France and break a long-standing taboo.
Far-right parties, once on the fringe, are now part of governments in several EU countries. Marine Le Pen has worked for years to clean up her party’s image. Her supporters are no longer ashamed to back her.
Many French people trust the RN to manage the economy better than other parties, despite their lack of experience. President Macron, seen as out of touch, has struggled to connect with voters.
The RN’s promises, like cutting taxes on gas and electricity, resonate with people facing a cost-of-living crisis. The party’s rise reflects a broader trend in Europe, where traditional parties are losing ground to populists who claim to speak for ordinary people.
Whether or not the RN wins, its influence is growing, and its supporters believe their time is coming soon. This election could mark a significant shift in French politics.
(Source: BBC)
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4ng03lnv0vo