French President Emmanuel Macron hosted far-right leader Marine Le Pen for talks, as he faces increasing pressure to name a prime minister after the inconclusive parliamentary elections. The meeting comes amid a political stalemate with no single party holding a majority in the National Assembly, forcing Macron to navigate a complex political landscape.
France’s legislative elections are heading for a tense second round, with President Macron facing a possible stalemate after his gamble on snap polls. Polls suggest the far-right National Rally led by Marine Le Pen won’t secure a majority, but a fragmented parliament could lead to political instability and a weakened Macron.
French President Emmanuel Macron’s snap parliamentary elections, called in the hopes of rallying voters against the far-right surge, appear to have backfired. Recent polls suggest that Marine Le Pen’s National Rally (RN) is poised to emerge as the largest party, leaving Macron’s centrist coalition in a distant third place. This potential outcome raises concerns about the future of France’s domestic and foreign policies, as the RN has expressed skepticism towards European integration and support for Russian President Vladimir Putin. The rise of the far-right in France, alongside similar trends in other European countries, highlights the need for centrist leaders to address voter concerns regarding immigration and economic anxieties.
