Le Pen clings to hope of winning 'absolute majority' in second round
3 Min Read
Regardless of the results, Le Pen is anticipated to make a fourth run for the Elysee in 2027.
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People gather at Republique Plaza in a protest against the far-right, Wednesday, July 3, 2024, in Paris. (AP)
Marine Le Pen, a three-time far-right French presidential candidate, stated on Thursday that her National Rally (RN) party might still win an absolute majority in this weekend's second round of legislative elections.
Despite leading the popular vote in the first round of voting on June 30th, a poll released on Wednesday indicated that the RN would now likely fall well short of achieving an absolute majority in the National Assembly.
The actions have raised rumors that, in order to keep the RN from seizing power, a potential right-center-left coalition would form after the election.
During an interview, Le Pen told BFM TV, "I think there is still the capacity to have an absolute majority with the electorate turning out in a final effort to get what they want", adding, "I say turn out to vote as it's a really the important moment to get a change in politics in all the areas that are making you suffer right now."
She did admit that the "operation" to remove candidates carried out by Macron's centrists and the alliance of the New Popular Front (NFP) "had the aim of preventing the RN from having an absolute majority."
Le Pen claimed that Macron's "biggest dream" was to create a "single party" that would include allies, including the right-wing Republicans (LR) and the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI), but leave out the RN.
Read more: From blocs to ‘cohabitation’, French officials react to far-right win
In a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Macron, however, made it clear, according to one participant, that the LFI had "no question" about joining any coalition.
Le Pen said there had been issues with a few RN candidates, one of whom had to withdraw after an image of her emerged with a Nazi Luftwaffe cap. Le Pen is anticipated to make a fourth run for the Elysee in 2027.
"There are statements that have been inadmissable and will involve sanctions there are also statements that are just clumsy," she said.
This comes after Le Pen said to France Inter on Tuesday morning that she would not want to become part of the government if Jordan Bardella assumes the role of prime minister, out of respect for his role.
"We wish to govern," she emphasized, prior to the second round of the legislative elections.
"Nous souhaitons gouverner, que les choses soient extrêmement claires", affirme Marine Le Pen.
— France Inter (@franceinter) July 2, 2024
Mais "il est évident", dit-elle, "que nous ne pouvons pas accepter d'aller au gouvernement si nous ne pouvons pas agir". #le710inter pic.twitter.com/ESqy0BYejv
France's far-right emerged last month victorious in the first round of pivotal legislative elections, with Macron's centrist forces trailing in third place behind the left, following the highest voter turnout in over four decades, according to estimates.
However, it remains uncertain whether Le Pen's far-right party will secure an absolute majority in the new National Assembly in the July 7 second round and secure the prime minister's position.
Macron had called for snap elections after the RN overwhelmingly defeated his centrist forces in the European Parliament elections earlier this month.
To achieve an absolute majority in the National Assembly, which is France's lower house of parliament, a total of 289 seats is required.
