France Elections 2024: Who Are The Key Candidates

Updated Jun 21, 2024, 11:57 IST

France’s 2024 elections feature intense competition among major political factions, including Macron’s Renaissance, far-right National Rally, and a united left coalition. The outcome could lead to significant shifts in French politics and governance, potentially impacting EU and NATO dynamics.

Jordan Bardella and Marine Le Pen, leaders of France’s National Rally, poised for pivotal role in 2024 elections.

France is heading towards its snap parliamentary elections, scheduled for June 30 and July 7. While the outcome remains to be seen, each of the key players are vying for control.

Emmanuel Macron and Renaissance (LREM): Macron is the incumbent president. Following a devastating defeat in the European Parliament elections, he called for elections. This move took many by surprise. His Renaissance party was once dominant. Now, polls indicate support at only 19%. Macron’s centrist, pro-European platform is struggling, mainly due to criticism of economic policies and social reforms.

National Rally (RN): The RN is led by Marine Le Pen. It has emerged as a formidable force, garnering around 33% of the support. It was once known as the National Front. Now, it holds a torch for populist, nationalist policies including a “national preference” for French citizens. RN is also known for their stringent immigration controls. Le Pen’s goal is to capitalize on the escalating levels of tension. This could significantly increase the number of parliamentary seats the RN secures. It may also culminate in a coalition government.

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Nouveau Front Populaire (NFP): The NFP is a left-wing alliance. It comprises of Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s France Unbowed (LFI), the Socialist Party (PS), Communists, and Greens (EELV). The NFP presents a unified front against both Macron’s centrism and Le Pen’s nationalism. Polls show that NFP could secure up to 30% support. This makes them a formidable player, especially when it comes to talks of a potential coalition.

Les Républicains (LR): LR is traditionally center-right. However, chairman Éric Ciotti made an electoral pact proposal with RN. This led to a frenzy, causing controversy. As a result the LR is currently grappling with internal conflicts. Dissenters have opposed any sort of collaboration with RN. Polls show that LR has secured 7%. This is a significant loss, especially when compared to past elections under leaders like Jacques Chirac and Nicolas Sarkozy.

Stakes and Potential Outcomes

The outcome of these elections will not only have an impact on France, but also the EU at large. In order for RN to secure a parliamentary majority, it requires at least 289 seats. Should they succeed in doing so, they could reshape French domestic policy significantly. This could even prove confrontational to the pre-existing EU norms and international alliances. On the other hand, a divided parliament may end up in a legislative gridlock. This could complicate governance, as well as severely impact any efforts for economic recovery.

Source link : https://www.timesnownews.com/world/europe/france-elections-2024-who-are-the-key-candidates-article-111158735/amp

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Publish date : 2024-06-21 06:27:26

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