French Elections 2024: Deep Political Uncertainty

Hung Parliament and Far-Right Gains

France is facing a hung parliament and deep political uncertainty following last Sunday's legislative elections. The second round of the elections, held on June 19, 2024, saw the far-right National Rally (RN) make significant gains, while President Emmanuel Macron's centrist alliance Ensemble Citizens! lost its majority in the National Assembly.

Chart and Map of Second-Round Winners

The results, as shown in the chart and map below, indicate a highly fragmented political landscape in France. Macron's Ensemble Citizens! alliance won the most seats, with 224, but fell short of the 289 needed for a majority. The RN made major gains, increasing its representation from eight to 89 seats, becoming the largest opposition party in the Assembly.

Highest Turnout in 40 Years

The parliamentary elections witnessed the highest turnout in over 40 years, with 63.23% of registered voters casting their ballots. This high turnout is seen as a sign of the electorate's deep concern about the country's political and economic future.

Implications for French Politics

The hung parliament and the RN's gains have thrown French politics into turmoil. Macron will need to seek support from other parties to form a government, either through a coalition or an alliance on a case-by-case basis. The RN's increased presence in the Assembly will also make it more difficult for Macron to pass legislation and implement his agenda.

The political uncertainty in France is likely to have significant implications for the country's domestic and foreign policy, as well as for the stability of the European Union. The outcome of the elections underscores the growing trend towards populism and nationalism in Europe and raises questions about the future of centrist politics.