As the vote counting continued in France on Sunday night, it became evident that the left-wing coalition known as the New Popular Front exceeded expectations, thwarting the far-right party’s chances of victory.
Projections indicate that the coalition has emerged as the frontrunner, securing numerous seats — a remarkable achievement for an alliance formed just a month ago with the primary aim of preventing the far-right National Rally from gaining power. The coalition comprises four left-wing parties: Communists, Socialists, Greens, and the far-left party, France Unbowed. While many in France celebrated what seemed to be a setback for the far right, concerns lingered about the potential implications of a strong showing by the far left.
Following the initial round of voting in the two-round election last week, the coalition strategically withdrew over 130 candidates from three-way contests where the far right posed a credible threat of victory. This move urged their supporters to vote tactically against the far-right contenders.
The strategic maneuver appeared to pay off, as the left emerged victorious in many areas. Despite this success, the polls revealed that no single party or alliance secured an outright majority to form a government. Nevertheless, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the founder of France Unbowed and a polarizing figure, promptly announced that his party was not interested in negotiating a coalition government. Instead, he insisted that the left-wing alliance should be entrusted with governance to implement its comprehensive agenda.
