Paris, France – Cheers filled the streets of Paris on Sunday as the projected results of the snap parliamentary election indicated a victory for the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) over the far-right National Rally (RN) party.
A large crowd gathered at Place de la République in the capital to celebrate the left-wing alliance’s success in securing the most seats in parliament. Chanting, “Young people screw the National Front,” the atmosphere was electrifying with a sense of political victory in the air.
Comprising various parties from the far-left France Unbowed group to the more moderate Socialists and Ecologists, the NFP emerged victorious by securing 182 seats in the National Assembly. While the alliance became the largest group, they fell short of the 289 seats required for an absolute majority, as reported by the French Interior Ministry.
Amidst the jubilation, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the fiery leader of France Unbowed and a member of the NFP, addressed a crowd of supporters near Stalingrad square. He expressed relief at the election results, stating that the majority of people in the country had rejected the worst-case scenario. “A magnificent surge of civic mobilization has taken hold!” he exclaimed.
The victory of the NFP marked a turning point in French politics, pushing back the far-right RN party, which won 143 seats despite leading after the first round of votes. The results also revealed the overwhelming desire of French voters to prevent the far right from gaining power, even if it meant a hung parliament.
The mood was somber at a park in Paris for the RN party supporters as it became apparent they would come third in the election. Marine Le Pen, the party leader, expressed disappointment as the results unfolded, signaling a setback for the far-right bloc.
President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist Ensemble alliance staged a remarkable recovery, securing 163 seats after slumping to third place in the initial round of voting. The election outcome may lead to a unique scenario known as “cohabitation,” where Macron could be compelled to appoint a figure from the left-wing coalition to govern.
The aftermath of the election night also saw police intervening at Place de la République, dispersing the crowd with tear gas. However, photos capturing the spirit of determination and celebration across the city depicted an electorate passionately engaged in shaping the political landscape of France.
