In the first round of the national election, the National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen, has performed exceptionally well. They are expected to secure numerous seats, including that of Le Pen herself, who obtained over 50% of the vote in her constituency of Hénin-Beaumont. Le Pen’s speech on election night emphasized the people’s desire for change after a tumultuous period in power. She urged her supporters to remain mobilized for the decisive second round, recognizing that victory is not yet assured. Despite the outcome of the final round, Le Pen will remain a significant figure in French politics. She is well-positioned to lead her party in the 2027 presidential election, aiming for the ultimate prize: the presidency.France’s presidential election reached a dramatic conclusion on Sunday, with incumbent Emmanuel Macron narrowly defeating far-right candidate Marine Le Pen. The results have wide-reaching implications for the country’s political landscape and its role in the European Union. Macron’s victory, while hard-fought, represents a significant setback for Le Pen and her National Rally party. Despite making significant gains in recent years, Le Pen was unable to overcome Macron’s centrist appeal and his promise of stability in an uncertain world. However, Le Pen’s strong showing – she received 41.5% of the vote – reflects the growing support for far-right and nationalist parties across Europe. Le Pen’s message of anti-immigration and Euroscepticism resonated with many voters who feel left behind by globalization and the European project. Another notable outcome of the election is the surge in support for left-wing candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon. Mélenchon, leader of the France Unbowed party, came third in the first round of voting, receiving 22%. Mélenchon’s platform, which included a wealth tax and a higher minimum wage, appealed to voters frustrated with both the traditional left and right parties. Mélenchon’s success has shaken up French politics and could make it more difficult for Macron to govern in his second term. The left-wing coalition that supported Mélenchon is expected to play a major role in the upcoming parliamentary elections, potentially complicating Macron’s ability to pass legislation. The French election results highlight the ongoing polarization of French society and the challenges facing traditional parties. Macron’s victory provides him with a renewed mandate, but he will face significant opposition from both the far right and the far left. The results also underscore the broader trend of rising populism and nationalism across Europe.