In France, political uncertainty deepens with the possibility of a majority of the far right in the Assembly

In France, the recent legislative elections have highlighted an extremely interesting political landscape, with the looming possibility that the far-right could achieve an absolute majority in the National Assembly. Following a first round that has left the National Rally as the dominant force in a large number of constituencies, a scenario emerges where President Emmanuel Macron faces the prospect of having to cohabit with a prime minister from a party radically opposed to his own. The left-wing coalition New Popular Front (NFP) has emerged as the country's second political force, surpassing La République En Marche, Macron's party, which has fallen behind in third place. Similarly, The Republicans, representatives of the traditional right, have had a disappointing performance by obtaining only 6.57% of the votes, leaving uncertainty regarding their role in shaping the new Parliament. With 577 seats at stake, the second round is shaping up to be a crucial moment in defining the composition of the National Assembly. Both the National Rally and the NFP have managed to secure a significant number of deputies, giving them a privileged position in forming the next government. It is important to note that to achieve an absolute majority, at least 289 seats are required, a figure that could be reached by the far-right party in the event of a strong performance in the second round. Faced with this scenario, the strategy of the various political actors becomes crucial. Both the NFP and the Macronist bloc have announced the withdrawal of some of their candidates with the aim of uniting forces and preventing the National Rally from consolidating as the dominant force in Parliament. However, the growing popularity of this party hinders the implementation of strategies that have been effective in the past when the far-right was considered a marginal force in French politics. In this context, the possible rise of Jordan Bardella, leader of the National Rally, to the position of prime minister raises questions about the future of France and the policies that could be implemented if the far-right were to achieve an absolute majority. Bardella has expressed his intention to respect the Constitution and the role of President Macron, but has also made clear his stance on sensitive issues such as foreign policy, opposing the sending of troops to Ukraine and the provision of armaments capable of affecting Russia. The notion of a possible cohabitation between Macron and a government led by the National Rally poses significant challenges for both political forces. While the president retains certain key powers, such as direction over foreign and defense policy, a far-right prime minister could push for policies that significantly differ from Macron's vision for the country. The uncertainty about the direction France will take in the coming years is heightened by the possibility of a cohabitation government that could generate tensions and significant political challenges. Ultimately, the second round of legislative elections in France emerges as a decisive moment for the country's political future. With the far-right in a position of strength and the left-wing coalition as a counterbalance, the political landscape becomes uncertain and full of questions. The way the new Parliament is shaped and the alliances that are formed will be crucial in defining the direction France will take in the coming years, marking a milestone in the nation's political history.