With three days remaining until France’s landmark legislative elections, far-right politician Marine Le Pen is confident that her party, the National Rally (RN), will secure an absolute majority in parliament. This victory would allow RN to form a government and limit President Emmanuel Macron’s actions, particularly regarding his support for Ukraine.
President Macron said he will retain his position following the elections on June 30th and July 7th, which he called after RN’s decisive win over his centrist alliance in the European elections. Despite this, he may have to share power with his opponents calling this phenomenon as “cohabitation”.
Macron has reiterated his commitment to serving his full term until 2027, emphasizing that he cannot be forced out of office. However, Le Pen suggested that this new political dynamic could prove challenging for Macron, hinting he might consider stepping down early. “I don’t know what his reaction will be. Given his arrogance, will he put up with it for long?” she mused in an interview with Le Telegramme.
The latest poll published by IFOP, published on Wednesday, projects that RN and its allies could secure between 220 to 260 seats, prompting Deputy Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot to criticize Le Pen’s confidence. “How arrogant of Marine Le Pen to consider that the RN has already won the election,” he remarked on TV channel TF1 on Thursday.
Le Pen also addressed the potential choice of prime minister, suggesting that his options are limited. She stated that Jordan Bardella, RN’s choice for the head of government, would have a mandate from the French people. “On the choice of prime minister, the president has understood he doesn’t have much of a choice, as Jordan Bardella will have a mandate from the French people,” she told Le Telegramme de Brest.
Seeking to allay public fears, Le Pen assured that RN’s governance would be reasonable. “People should stop thinking the world is going to come to an end if we win power. We’re reasonable people,” she said.
