The hard-right surge has been blocked, but the country is irreconcilably divided.
Emmanuel Macron’s decision to call a snap election was intended to offer French voters a “moment of clarification.” Instead, it has sparked political turmoil and deepened the nation’s divisions. According to exit polls from the second round of voting on 7 July, French citizens mobilized in large numbers to prevent Marine Le Pen’s hard-right National Rally (RN) from taking control. In a surprising turn, the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) alliance emerged in first place.
However, the outcome has left the future government in limbo, with no clear victor to claim a decisive mandate. Macron’s centrist party, already weakened by the previous round of voting, has suffered further setbacks. The immediate resignation offer by Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne has only added to the uncertainty, ensuring that France faces a period of political paralysis.
Voter turnout in the second round was unusually high, with 60% of registered voters casting their ballots by 5pm—three hours before polls officially closed. This turnout marked a notable increase from the first round and was the highest in over three decades. The election followed Macron’s announcement of a snap vote after the National Rally surged in popularity during the European elections in June.
In the first round of voting, the RN led, followed by the NFP, with Macron’s party trailing in third. Despite this, the NFP managed to push ahead in the final round, securing more seats than expected.
Yet, this victory for the left does not necessarily translate into political stability. The NFP coalition is diverse, with factions ranging from socialists to greens to communists, and will likely struggle to form a cohesive government. Meanwhile, the RN remains a formidable force, with its influence growing in French politics despite its defeat.
The result of the election leaves France facing an uncertain future. The question now is not only who will govern but whether any party can achieve the necessary unity to address the country’s growing political and social divisions. With a fractured political landscape and no clear majority, it’s uncertain how the Republic can move forward without facing continued gridlock.