‘Not one more vote’: Reactions as France’s Far Right Wins Snap Election
A beleaguered French president has called for unity against the far right in the second round of the vote. Marine Le Pen and her far-right National Rally (RN) have won big in France’s snap election, garnering reactions from domestic rival parties and politicians abroad. The RN won close to 34 percent of the vote in the first round of the parliamentary election in what was a major victory – but not one that gives the party an absolute majority in the parliament.
Far Right Wins in First Round of French Elections
The success of Marine Le Pen and the RN in the first round of the French parliamentary election has sent shockwaves through the political landscape. Garnering close to 34 percent of the vote, the far-right party has solidified its position as a formidable force. However, this significant victory did not translate into an outright majority in parliament, leading to a call for unity against the RN in the second round.
French National Assembly Election: What’s at Stake and What to Expect?
Le Pen, trailed by the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) coalition with about 29 percent and President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist Ensemble alliance with about 20.5 percent, has urged French citizens to vote for her party during the second round. Despite his defeat, Macron welcomed the high turnout of 65.8 percent and reiterated his call to stand up to the far right in the second round. The keyword ‘Not one more vote’ resonated strongly in his plea for unity.
Who is Jordan Bardella, the Fresh-Faced Darling of the French Far Right?
Jordan Bardella, a prominent figure in the RN, has been instrumental in the party’s recent success. His influence has helped galvanise support among younger voters. This rise in popularity is indicative of a broader shift in French politics, where the far right’s rhetoric is gaining traction. The keyword ‘Not one more vote’ reflects the urgency in countering this growing influence.
Macron’s Election Gamble Ignited a Much-Needed Flame in the French Left
Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the leader of the centre-left, emphasised that President Macron suffered a “hard and indisputable defeat” and was to blame for the shock decision to dissolve parliament. However, stopping the far right remained the priority. “Not one more vote for the RN, not one more seat for the RN,” he stressed, underscoring the importance of solidarity among democratic forces.
International Reactions to France’s Election Results
Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán expressed “optimism” following the first-round result. Orbán’s comments came as Hungary took over the European Union’s rotating presidency amid widespread concerns over what critics see as the country’s authoritarian, Russia-friendly government. “Things cannot go on like this in Brussels, things have to change,” Orbán told Hungarian television channel M1 in an interview Monday night. “Not one more vote for the RN” has become a rallying cry against the rise of similar movements across Europe.
Right-Wing Leaders Applaud Le Pen’s Success
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni claimed that attempts to “demonise” hard-right voters were failing. “The constant attempt to demonise and corner people who don’t vote for the left… is a trick that fewer and fewer people fall for,” Meloni told the Adnkronos news agency. This sentiment reflects a broader trend across Europe where far-right parties are gaining ground. The keyword ‘Not one more vote’ highlights the resistance against this trend.
UK’s Keir Starmer on the Far Right’s Rise
In the United Kingdom, Opposition and Labour Party leader Keir Starmer said RN’s advance in France was proof the left must show “only progressives have answers” to problems in the UK and across Europe. The UK general election, taking place on Thursday, has seen similar debates. “Not one more vote” has become a crucial message for progressives aiming to counteract the appeal of the far right.
Israel’s Reaction to Le Pen’s Success
Israel’s diaspora minister Amichai Chikli said he was “impressed” by the positions adopted by Le Pen, adding that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was also seemingly “of the same opinion”. Chikli told Kan public broadcaster on Monday that it would be “excellent for Israel” if Le Pen became president in France. This stance, however, contrasts with the opposition of most Jewish leaders in France. The keyword ‘Not one more vote’ is particularly poignant in this context, reflecting deep-seated concerns about the far right’s policies.
Polish Prime Minister’s Warning
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk issued a stark warning about the far right. “They love Putin, money and power without control. And they are already in power or are reaching for it in the East or West of Europe,” he wrote in a post online. The phrase ‘Not one more vote’ encapsulates the urgency of his message, warning against complacency in the face of rising authoritarianism.
German and Spanish Leaders’ Responses
Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his cabinet have largely refrained from commenting on foreign elections. However, Michael Roth, a member of Scholz’s Social Democrats, criticised the party for not better supporting Macron. Similarly, Spain’s socialist leader, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, saw a warning in the far-right win in France. “The advance of the far right in France isn’t unconnected with what’s happening in other parts of the world,” he said in an interview with the Cadena Ser radio network. The keyword ‘Not one more vote’ is a call to action for European leaders facing similar challenges.
Market Reactions to Election Results
Meanwhile, French and European markets had a favourable reaction to the result of the election on Monday. French stocks and the euro rallied, with the CAC 40 index, which represents 40 of the biggest companies listed in Paris, rising 2.7 percent at the open before cooling slightly. The euro, which had taken a hit after Macron’s surprise announcement on the back of the European Parliament elections in early June, reached its strongest level against the United States dollar in more than two weeks. The keyword ‘Not one more vote’ seems to have resonated positively with investors, reflecting a cautious optimism about the political future.
The phrase ‘Not one more vote’ has emerged as a powerful rallying cry in the face of the far right’s rise in France’s snap election. From domestic rival parties to international political figures, the reactions highlight the global implications of this electoral outcome. As France heads into the second round of voting, the call for unity against the far right remains stronger than ever.
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