The streets of Paris are buzzing with tension as demonstrators rally against the far right in response to the surprising results of the first round of the French parliamentary elections on June 30, 2024. Amel, a therapist and leftwing New Popular Front supporter, voiced her concerns about the rise of the far right and urged people to vote against extremism.
France’s far-right party, RN, insists it stands for French values and culture, but opponents fear a catastrophic political shift if the anti-immigration, nationalist party gains majority in the snap election called by President Emmanuel Macron. Young left-leaning voters like Amel are anxious about the societal impact of RN’s surge in voter polls.
The country’s political polarization has never been more evident, with RN winning 33% of the vote in the first round, closely followed by NFP with 28% and Macron’s coalition with 20%. The center-right and left have united against RN, withdrawing candidates to prevent the party’s advance in the final round of voting.
As the nation prepares for the contentious election outcome, tensions rise amidst fears of civil unrest. The police are on high alert, gearing up for potential violence and protests post-election. The gendarmerie officer described the situation as worrisome, echoing concerns of division and unrest in French society.
Experts predict further turmoil ahead, with a deeply divided electorate and the possibility of confrontation on the streets if a far-right party gains power. RN’s promises to restore order and tackle immigration have struck a chord with some voters, but uncertainty looms over the party’s potential policies if elected.
The outcome of Sunday’s election remains uncertain, with the prospect of a hung parliament creating a headache for Macron and stirring up political and economic uncertainty. The old rules of French politics no longer apply, leaving stakeholders grappling with a new and unpredictable landscape.
