France Runoffs, Deadline Expired. Here’s How Many Anti-Le Pen “Drops”

In the current French political landscape, tormented by a series of electoral events that have highlighted a climate of deep polarization, we are witnessing political maneuvers of considerable importance in view of the second round …

Macron's last desperate attempt

In the current French political landscape, tormented by a series of electoral events that have highlighted a climate of deep polarization, we are witnessing political maneuvers of considerable importance in view of the second round of the legislative elections. In this context, the figure of Marine Le Pen and of his Gathering National (RN) emerges forcefully, catalysing attention in view of the tactical moves of Macron’s adversaries and the Popular Front.

In view of the run-off, a significant number of candidates he decided to take a step back. Information collected by Le Monde indicates that 218 aspiring deputies have opted to withdraw. Of these, 130 candidates come from the New Popular Front, 82 from the centrist bloc close to Macron and two from the Republicans. What does this mean? That in the case of the 82 constituencies from which the Macronians have withdrawn, it will be necessary to understand whether the moderate voters will actually follow the indication to hold their noses and vote for the Popular Front, considered by the centrists to be a group of radicals on a par with the right. Much, obviously, will also depend on the individual candidate in the individual constituency. Easier, but not a given, that the “withdrawal” by the left-wing candidates will favor the centrist bloc by blocking the election of the Le Penist deputies. Finally, there remain about 109 constituencies where the race for a seat in Parliament will take place between three or four candidates in the second round.

  • France, mass withdrawal. Enough to stop Le Pen? Not a given… by Nicola Porro

Marine Le Pen has launched a serious accusation against the current government, speaking of a possible “administrative coup” orchestrated by Macron through strategic appointments on the eve of the second round, including that of the director general of the national police and the director of the national gendarmerie. Interviewed by France InterLe Pen expressed her concern about such moves, interpreted as attempts to hinder a possible future government led by Jordan Bardellaa prominent figure in the RN.

Despite the heated climate, Le Pen has clarified her position for the near future. She has announced that she will not participate in a possible Bardella government and will not run for president of the National Assemblypreferring to serve his movement from the role of group leader of RN deputies. This move is part of a broader strategy of “depenalization” of the vote, aimed at dampening resistance and gathering broader consensus.

The far-right leader also opened up to future international collaborations, hinting at the possibility of joining the new European group led by Victor Orbandepending on the outcome of the second round. Le Pen thus aims to strengthen her influence both nationally and on the European stage, outlining a medium-long term strategy for her movement.

The article Runoffs France, the deadline has expired. Here are how many anti-Le Pen “dropouts” comes from Nicola Porro.