The National Rally therefore came out on top in the first round of early legislative elections on Sunday evening, with 33.2% of the vote, ahead of the New Popular Front, at 28.1%. The presidential party’s candidates came in third place, far behind, at 21%. The Republicans, excluding Éric Ciotti, did not exceed 10%. A vote that largely mobilized the French, with a turnout of nearly 66%.
The first projections of seats for the future National Assembly, to be taken with great caution, predict a strong relative, or even absolute, majority for the RN and its allies at the end of the second round.
Historical number of triangulars
This is unprecedented: between 285 and 315 constituencies will see three candidates compete in the second round next Sunday. A record number of three-way races, due in particular to a very high turnout. As a reminder, in 2022, only eight constituencies found themselves in this situation. While the parties have given their instructions, the candidates are free to decide whether or not to withdraw. This is what will be interesting to follow in the coming days in each of the constituencies concerned.
On the Republican side, François-Xavier Bellamy is not calling for a vote against the RN in the second round, considering that “the danger that threatens our country today is the far left”. Marion Maréchal, for her part, is calling on LR candidates to withdraw so as “not to pave the way for the far left”.
For its part, the New Popular Front will withdraw its candidacies in the constituencies where it comes in third position and when the RN is in the lead.
Renaissance, Emmanuel Macron’s party, calls for withdrawal “for the benefit of candidates able to beat the National Rally and with whom [ils] share the essential: the values of the Republic.” “Not a single vote should go to the National Rally,” said Gabriel Attal.
Personalities already elected, others in unfavorable ballot
With nearly 58% of the vote and without much surprise, Marine Le Pen regained her seat as MP for the 11th constituency of Pas-de-Calais in the first round. Same thing for Sébastien Chenu, already re-elected in the North. At least 37 RN MPs were elected in the first round on Sunday. Olivier Faure, for the PS/NFP, was re-elected as MP for Seine-et-Marne, as were Manuel Bompard, national coordinator of LFI, and Sébastien Delogu, outgoing Insoumis/NFP MP, both re-elected in Bouches-du-Rhône. The New Popular Front would win “a good twenty constituencies” this Sunday evening, according to Manuel Bompard. That’s for those lucky enough to win the first round.
In Corrèze, former President François Hollande came out on top with 37.6% of the vote. He was ahead of RN candidate Maïtey Pouget (30.86%) and LR candidate Francis Dubois (28.64%).
In the Somme, François Ruffin is also in a tie, with 33.92% of the votes against 40.69% for the RN candidate. The Ensemble candidate has decided to withdraw in favor of Picardie Debout. Among the losers, we note Fabien Roussel, beaten in the North by the RN candidate. “Beaten but not defeated,” he declared on Sunday evening.
In Lot-et-Garonne, it was a lost bet for Jérôme Cahuzac, who came in 4th position and was eliminated with 14.5% of the votes. In Ain, Damien Abad also failed. The short-lived minister indicted for attempted rape came in 3rd position with 18.73% of the votes, but only 12.39% of those registered, which excluded him from the second round.
