Despite his historic victory Marina Le Pen it may be difficult for her to get “the beans” for an independent government (i.e. having 289 deputies in the National Assembly), and this is because the “progressive front” decided on several occasions to ally itself against the National Rally.
In fact, yesterday, Le Pen, in her radio interview, accused Macron of an “administrative coup” following a series of appointments allegedly decided by the French head of state, explaining that, as he prepares for a coalition government with the far right, he makes his men use the right of appointment until the last moment. In fact, he photographed Thierry Breton, whom the French president wants to be commissioner again.
Government spokeswoman Prisca Thevenot responded to Le Pen, saying she (Ms Le Pen) has “a very poor understanding of what is happening in the Council of Ministers” and is “lying”.
Meanwhile, a wave of third-place candidates from centrist and left-wing parties have withdrawn from their races. in view of the second round.
At least 200 candidates of the left-wing Front Populaire alliance and President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist coalition withdrew yesterday when the deadline expired in an attempt to build a “republican front” which will prevent the definitive victory of Marine Le Pen’s party, according to estimates by AFP and Le Monde Monde.
However, it remains to be seen whether many French voters will cast ballots for politicians from parties they do not support – and often actively detest – in order to thwart the far right. Many may end up abstaining, which would ultimately help Marine Le Pen’s party. Attention in France is also now turning to how political leaders will respond to the likely outcome of a hung parliament.
Less than 100 regions
There were more than 300 electoral districts where at least three candidates have qualified for the second round, which will be held on July 7. These are mainly candidates from the Rassemblement National, the Popular Front and the Ensemble, that is, Macron’s coalition.
The wave of departures means there will be now less than 100 districts with three candidates who will compete in the second round.
During the election campaign, Prime Minister Gabriel Atal appeared at an open market and toasted “victory”. “We must prevent the ‘National Rally’ from achieving an absolute majority because it would be – and I say this from the bottom of my heart – terrible for the country and for the French people.”
Down with the Republicans
In the middle of all this are the Republicans. The president of this historic party, Eric Cioti, has clearly stated that he will support Jordan Bardela. However, Xavier Bertrand, an influential Republican figure and former minister, has decided to support a communist candidate in the Seine-Maritime region in the second round.
Eric Ciotti immediately demanded that the process for his dismissal begin, only to receive a blunt response: “We all know why (Ciotti) supports the RN. He wants a ministerial position.”