A large demonstration is held by supporters of the Popular Front in Paris at the Republique (Place de la Démocracy) in Paris.
France braces for political bang after National Alarm by Marine Le Pen made big gains on Sunday in the first round early parliamentary elections.
The country’s leading role in the EU and NATO – as well as in the French economy – is at stake.
The Rassemblement National came in first place with 34% of the vote and improved its already historic result in the European elections. Winning an absolute majority next week is now possible.
French President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist alliance suffered shocking losses, coming in third place with 20.3% of the vote.
The left-wing alliance had a strong performance with 28.1% of the votes.
The New Popular Front (NFP), which came second in the first round of today’s French parliamentary elections, will withdraw its candidates in the second round of elections next Sunday if they come third in the first round, said Jean-Luc Melanchon, chief from La França Insoumise.
“Our directive is simple and clear: not one vote for National Alarm, not one seat,” Mélenchon highlighted.
Live the events of the French elections here