France experiences record voter participation as the far right sets sights on government power

The first day of voting for the legislative elections in France saw record turnout, with 59.4% of eligible voters casting their ballots by 5 pm, marking a 20% increase from the same period in 2022. This level of participation has not been seen since the 1986 legislative elections when the midday turnout was 63.6%. At 8 pm, the estimated turnout for the first round was 69.5%, the highest since 1981, according to a survey by the Elabe polling institute. This figure is significantly higher than the 47.51% turnout in the first round of the 2022 legislative elections.

There has been notable participation even abroad, where voting rates are typically lower than in metropolitan France. Preliminary results show leading candidates in Guadeloupe and Guyana, while in Polynesia, a candidate has already declared victory. Prominent figures in French politics, such as President Emmanuel Macron and far-right leader Marine Le Pen, have cast their votes in the first round.

The upcoming second round of voting is contentious, with polls indicating the far-right Rassemblement National led by Le Pen could win a majority in the 577-member National Assembly. Macron has called a government meeting to discuss next steps. The possibility of the far right gaining power has sparked concern and calls for mobilization against extremism.

The campaign leading up to the elections has revealed two contrasting trends: a sense of hope for change among left-wing supporters and those of the Rassemblement National, as well as increased fear and polarization fueled by far-right and far-left parties. Macron’s decision to hold early elections following the RN’s victory in the European Parliament elections has heightened uncertainty in France and Europe at large.

Despite efforts to present voters with a critical choice for the country’s future, Macron may have underestimated the popularity of the far right. The potential for a Rassemblement National majority in the National Assembly raises concerns about the future direction of France. The campaign has seen increased hate speech and intolerance, reflecting a larger societal shift towards polarization and extremist views.