France at a Crossroads: The Election that Could Shift the EU

France is currently experiencing its first round of snap parliamentary elections since World War II. The election was called by President Emmanuel Macron after his centrist alliance was defeated by Marine Le Pen’s Union Nationale in the European elections this month. Le Pen’s Eurosceptic party has long been considered fringe, but it is now closer than ever to a majority, promoting anti-immigration policies.

The final result of these elections will not be known until the end of the vote on July 7 due to the complexity of the country’s electoral system. Le Pen has expressed confidence in winning with an absolute majority, anticipating that her protégé Jordan Bardella would become prime minister. Bardella is young and represents a new generation within the National Union (RN), which has a high-spending economic program and seeks to reduce immigration.

If the RN does win an absolute majority, France could experience a significant political upheaval. Macron and Bardella would be competing for the right to speak for the French, potentially leading the country into uncharted territory within the European Union. The RN’s Eurosceptic stance could shift France from a pillar of the EU to a country operating on its margins, challenging established norms and policies.

Opinion polls indicate that the RN has a comfortable lead in the election, with other leftist coalitions and Macron’s Center Alliance trailing behind. The rise of the far-right in France has raised concerns about its future positions on global issues, including its stance on Russia and Ukraine. Le Pen’s history of pro-Russian sentiment adds further complexity to the political landscape in France.

As these elections progress, it remains uncertain what will happen due to