Far-right Surging in French Parliamentary Polls: Macron's Political Future at Risk
France's political landscape is on the brink of a major shift as the far-right party, led by Marine Le Pen's National Rally, continues to gain momentum in the polls. With just three days before the parliamentary vote, President Emmanuel Macron faces the possibility of a challenging cohabitation scenario or a struggle to secure a stable majority in the parliament. The latest surveys indicate a strong showing for the National Rally, with the left alliance trailing behind and Macron's centrists lagging at around 20 percent. Despite Macron's efforts to present a stark choice to voters, the rapid three-week campaign may not be enough to reverse the growing support for the far-right bloc. As the second-round runoffs approach, the outcome remains uncertain, with shifting voter allegiances and new alliances complicating the political landscape. The potential for a higher-than-usual voter turnout adds another layer of unpredictability to the race. Polling firms' projections vary, with some suggesting that the National Rally could secure an absolute majority in the parliament. Le Pen and her party have signaled their readiness for a possible victory, with plans to establish a government only with an absolute majority. This stance raises the prospect of political deadlock and challenges Macron's authority as president. In a last-ditch effort to sway voters, the current Prime Minister Gabriel Attal will engage in a televised debate with National Rally's Jordan Bardella and Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure. The debate represents one of the final opportunities for candidates to make their case before the vote. As the campaign intensifies, both sides are focusing on key issues such as identity politics, economic policies, and national security. With Macron's leadership at stake, the upcoming parliamentary election is poised to reshape France's political landscape and determine the country's future direction.
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