PARIS: France’s far-right leader Marine le Pen insisted on Thursday her National Rally (RN) party can still win control of parliament despite the centre and left scrambling to block her way and football hero Kilian Mbappe urging fans to outvote “those people”.
The outcome of Sunday’s runoff is poised to determine whether France will witness its first far-right government since World War II or navigate through potential coalition politics.
Le Pen’s optimism comes amidst heightened tensions and political maneuvering as various factions vie for supremacy in what has been described as the most crucial elections in recent French history. A recent poll indicated that while the RN dominated the first round on June 30, they are projected to fall short of an overall majority in the upcoming runoff.
Meanwhile, French football star Kylian Mbappe, speaking from Hamburg ahead of Euro 2024 quarter-finals, waded into the electoral discourse, urging citizens to mobilize against what he termed as a “catastrophic” outcome should the RN secure power.
Mbappe’s remarks have resonated with supporters of President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist camp and the broad-left coalition, who have strategically withdrawn over 200 candidates to consolidate the anti-RN vote. “We can’t leave our country in the hands of those people there,” Mbappe emphasized.
In response to the concerted effort against her party, Le Pen remained resolute, asserting that there remains a pathway to securing an absolute majority in the National Assembly through strong voter turnout.
“I urge everyone to vote as this moment is crucial for bringing about political change in the areas that are currently suffering,” Le Pen stated in an interview with BFM television.
Achieving an absolute majority of 289 seats out of the 577-member National Assembly would empower the RN to form a government, potentially appointing Le Pen’s protege Jordan Bardella as prime minister. However, Le Pen acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by Macron’s centrist forces and the New Popular Front coalition, who have united against the RN’s ascent to power.
The election campaign has not been without controversy, with incidents of violence reported against political figures. Government spokeswoman Prisca Thevenot and her team were attacked while putting up campaign posters outside Paris, resulting in injuries to her colleague and a supporter.
Ahead of the election day, stringent security measures are being implemented across France, with Interior Minister Gerard Darmanin announcing the deployment of 30,000 police officers nationwide, including 5,000 in Paris, to prevent any disruptions by extremist elements.
President Macron’s decision to call snap elections three years ahead of schedule has been viewed as a bold gamble amidst domestic and international challenges, including France’s role in supporting Ukraine against Russia’s invasion and preparations for the upcoming Olympics.
