France Elections: Left Surge Puts Macron's Majority At Risk

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Jun 12, 2022

Image copyright: AFP/Getty Images [via Politico]story last updated Aug 05, 2022

The Facts

The results of the first round of the French parliamentary elections held on Sun. indicate that Pres. Macron's Ensemble party may lose its majority as the left-wing coalition led by Jean-Luc Mélenchon has robust results.
Whilst turnout marked a record low at 47.5%, Mélenchon's bloc received 25.66%, virtually tying with Ensemble, which won 25.75% of the votes. A run-off election will be held on June 19.

The Spin

Left narrative

While Macron hopes to obtain a comfortable majority and lead in the next round of voting, this is far away from reality. Mélenchon and his coalition's success have highlighted a clear message that France is not happy with the path that Macron and his party have been leading France down.

Politico

Right narrative

Macron's re-election has made him the first French president in two decades to win a second term. This is a clear indication of the positive work he's done for France. Though perhaps painful and against the will of the left-wing parties and activists, the reforms he's initiated are paying off. He must stay the course to enable France to prosper again.

The Conversation

Cynical narrative

If Macron's party is unable to reach a majority this would be a major setback for the French President. This could end up in messy, bill-by-bill deals with differing parties in parliament, with no party able to implement a true direction in policy. Such a development would be detrimental to France and French politics.