Winners actually look different: France’s head of state Emmanuel Macron (44) suffered another severe blow on the way to his second term in office. The first hit him from the right in the presidential election a few weeks ago, when he struggled to defeat right-wing nationalist Marine Le Pen in the runoff. He received the second, even more massive blow from the left in the parliamentary elections on Sunday.
The new left-wing alliance, led by Jean-Luc Mélenchon (70), is only just behind the center camp of the president in the first round of the elections. According to the preliminary official result, Macron’s alliance received 25.75 percent of the votes nationwide. This was announced by the Interior Ministry in Paris on Monday night.
The alliance of leftists, communists, greens and socialists led by left-wing politician Mélenchon came up with 25.66 percent and was therefore at a disadvantage. The difference was just 21,442 votes – with around 48.7 million eligible voters.
Left veteran might score
Was Macron, who loves the big stage and visionary speeches, perhaps too sure of himself and – as in the presidential election – staying out of the election campaign for too long? It is true that he did not offer his unexpected opponent Mélenchon, who managed the coup within days to unite the fragmented left camp behind him, no target for attack. The shrewd left ideologue and strategist, however, used this freedom all the more to present himself as an advocate of the people and social justice.
Complicated voting system
Nevertheless, according to forecasts, it can be assumed that the camp of the newly re-elected president will win the majority of the seats in the National Assembly in the second round of voting next Sunday.
The complicated electoral system leads to sometimes serious differences between the percentage of votes and the distribution of seats – and the liberal candidates have a better chance of intercepting voter migration following numerous candidates have left.
It is uncertain whether the center forces will retain their absolute majority in the lower house of parliament and thus be able to implement Macron’s plans more easily.
Low turnout
According to figures from the Interior Ministry, voter turnout was only 47.51 percent, which was even lower than in the parliamentary elections five years ago.
The National Assembly participates in legislation and can overthrow the government with a vote of no confidence. A majority in the chamber is important for governing. In the first round only 2 of the 577 seats were allocated directly. The run-off elections decide on all other mandates. (SDA/noo/kes)
