The Impact of French Election Candidates Withdrawing to Block Far Right National Rally in Parliamentary Elections

French voters are waiting with bated breath to see how the second round of parliamentary elections will unfold as numerous candidates have made the decision to withdraw from the race in order to stop the far-right National Rally (RN) from gaining an outright majority in the 577-seat National Assembly. With parties racing against the clock to register contenders before the deadline, various left and center candidates are stepping aside in hopes of consolidating the anti-RN vote. Last Sunday’s first round of voting saw the RN, led by Marine Le Pen, emerge victorious with around 33% of the vote in alliance with other parties. However, strategic moves by rival factions to reduce the number of contenders in certain constituencies are aimed at obstructing the RN’s path to dominance. The left-wing New Popular Front (NPF) is urging its third-placed candidates to withdraw and support centrist candidates in an effort to combat the rise of the RN. In contrast, some within President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist camp remain divided on how best to counter the RN threat. While some top figures like Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire and former Prime Minister Edouard Philippe have refrained from issuing direct instructions, Macron and Prime Minister Gabriel Attal have emphasized the need to prevent an RN victory. Despite criticisms from the RN that these maneuvers represent an “alliance of dishonor” among opposing parties, they view it as an opportunity to portray themselves as anti-establishment challengers. The RN has vowed not to form a government unless they obtain an outright majority in Sunday’s vote. Marine Le Pen has hinted at the possibility of a coalition government with other MPs if they secure around 270 seats, signaling a potential shift in political dynamics. In the event of an RN victory, the prospect of a “cohabitation” scenario between Macron and Bardella looms large, raising questions about power dynamics within the government. With Le Pen accusing Macron of orchestrating an “administrative coup d’état” by making key appointments ahead of the elections, the political climate in France remains tense as the country heads towards a crucial electoral juncture.