French face election where center has ‘imploded,’ energizing the far right
NBCJun 18
France: National Rally Leads After First Round of Parliamentary Elections
Image copyright: Xavier Laine/Contributor/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
French Pres. Emmanuel Macron and his centrist Ensemble coalition face a second political setback in less than a month after the right-wing National Rally (RN) secured the most votes in the first round of the country's parliamentary elections on Sunday.
According to France's Interior Ministry on Monday, RN took 33.15% of the vote, while the leftist New Popular Front (NFP) coalition followed in second place with 27.99%. Macron's Ensemble finished third with 20.76%.
The Spin
Left narrative
If RN takes the majority next Sunday, it will be the first time a far-right party has controlled France's government since the Nazi's occupation of the country in World War II. The other parties must now do everything possible to prevent that outcome from happening.
Right narrative
Today's result comes after Macron and his ruling elite consistently turned their backs on the French public. If Bardella and his party are successful next Sunday, they will rule in the interests of all of France — making sure that the best interests of the country are protected.