French Election: Rivals Unite to Counter Far-Right Threat
Hundreds of Candidates Withdraw to Keep Le Pen's Party from Power
Background
France is holding one of its most significant elections in recent years. The National Rally (RN), a far-right party led by Marine Le Pen, made significant gains in the first round of the parliamentary election, winning 334 seats. The party currently holds 88 seats in France's National Assembly, but polls suggest it could become the biggest party after this election.
In response to Le Pen's strong showing, hundreds of candidates from President Emmanuel Macron's camp and the left-wing alliance have withdrawn from the race in an effort to keep the RN from winning control of the National Assembly.
The Candidates
The withdrawals have cleared the path for a number of high-profile candidates, including Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne, who is running for reelection in her district in Normandy. Other candidates who have benefited from the withdrawals include Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin and Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire.
The Issues
The election is being fought on a number of key issues, including the economy, immigration, and the environment. Le Pen has campaigned on a promise to "put France first" and to reduce immigration. Macron, on the other hand, has pledged to continue his pro-business reforms and to strengthen France's ties with the European Union.
The Results
The results of the election are expected to be announced on Sunday evening. Turnout on Sunday was the highest in a parliamentary election for more than 40 years, suggesting that voters are highly engaged in the race.
The Implications
The outcome of the election will have a significant impact on the future of French politics. If Le Pen's party wins control of the National Assembly, it could derail Macron's plans for reform. It could also lead to a period of political instability in France.
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