France’s Election: A Coordinated Effort to Block the Far-Right Rassemblement National

Key Parties Withdraw Candidates to Prevent the RN from Winning a Majority

France’s leftist and centrist parties have made a united effort to prevent the far-right Rassemblement National (RN) from winning a majority in the country’s upcoming election. Over 200 candidates from these parties have withdrawn from the election, citing the need to block the RN’s rise to power.

The Stakes: A Hung Parliament or an RN Government?

The move is seen as a crucial attempt to deny the RN a majority in the parliament, which would give them the power to form a government. However, the pollsters warn that a hung parliament is still a possibility, with 91 three-way contests remaining.

RN Leader Marine Le Pen Vows to Find Allies

Marine Le Pen, the leader of the RN, has pledged to find allies from other parties to form a government if the RN fails to secure a majority. Le Pen believes that the party could find support from the conservative Les Républicains party, and has already announced plans to govern with a "new policy."

The Campaign: A Culture War

The RN’s campaign is centered around a "cultural battle" against Islamism, ending birthright citizenship for people born in France to foreign parents, and restricting certain government jobs to French citizens only. These proposals have been met with fierce opposition from left-wing parties, with French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire calling the RN a "danger to the Republic."

The Race: RN vs. NFP vs. Ensemble

The RN won 33% of the vote in the first round, followed by the left-wing NFP with 28%, and Macron’s Ensemble alliance with 21%. With the withdrawal of so many candidates, it remains to be seen whether the RN can secure the 289 seats needed for an outright majority.

Conclusion

The French election has become a high-stakes battle between the far-right Rassemblement National and the country’s left-wing parties. With the withdrawal of candidates and the rise of the RN, the outcome is far from certain. While the RN may be able to secure a majority, their proposals have sparked widespread controversy and opposition.

FAQs

Q: What is the Rassemblement National (RN)?
A: The RN is a far-right political party in France, led by Marine Le Pen.

Q: What is the goal of the RN’s campaign?
A: The RN’s campaign is centered around a "cultural battle" against Islamism, ending birthright citizenship, and restricting certain government jobs to French citizens only.

Q: How many candidates have withdrawn from the election?
A: Over 200 candidates from leftist and centrist parties have withdrawn from the election to block the RN’s rise to power.

Q: Is a hung parliament possible?
A: Yes, with 91 three-way contests remaining, a hung parliament is still a possibility.

Q: Can the RN find allies to form a government?
A: Marine Le Pen has pledged to find allies from other parties to form a government if the RN fails to secure a majority.

Author: www.ft.com

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