The New People's Front, a coalition of left-wing parties, came in second with 27.99% of the vote, while President Emmanuel Macron's 'Ensemble' alliance placed third. Macron had called for early elections following the European Parliament (EP) elections.
After the far-right's strong performance in the EP elections, President Macron dissolved the parliament and called for early elections, a move seen as 'unexpected' by Western media. Polls had highlighted that Le Pen could lead the elections.
In yesterday's elections, Le Pen's National Rally received 33.15% of the vote, the New People's Front garnered 27.99%, and Macron's Ensemble alliance obtained 20.83%.
The second round of the election will be held on July 7. French media reports suggest that some parties may withdraw from the race, change allegiances, or support other parties in the second round.
Voter Turnout at 59%
The French Ministry of the Interior announced that voter turnout was 59.39% as of 5:00 PM yesterday. "As of 5:00 PM on Sunday, June 30, voter turnout for the 2024 general elections is 59.39%. At the same time in 2022, voter turnout was 39.42%," the ministry stated.
2022 Elections
In the first round of the 2022 French presidential elections, Emmanuel Macron received 27.9% of the vote, Le Pen 23.2%, and leftist candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon 22%.
Melenchon declared his support for Macron in the second round to prevent Le Pen from becoming president. In the second round, Macron won with 58.55% of the vote, while Le Pen secured 41.45%.
