French anti-far-right alliance gathers momentum, 180+ candidates withdraw to block national rally

In a strategic move to prevent France far-right National Rally (RN) from gaining power, over 180 candidates have withdrawn from the upcoming run-off elections, aiming to consolidate the anti-RN vote.

This decision comes as the RN, led by Marine Le Pen, surged ahead in the first-round vote, with President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist camp falling to third place.

Despite the RN’s strong showing, with pollsters estimating they could win between 250-300 seats, the tactical withdrawals and cross-party alliances could thwart their bid for a parliamentary majority. The “republican front” strategy, reminiscent of the 2002 election where voters united against Jean-Marie Le Pen, is being revived to block the RN’s anti-immigrant and eurosceptic agenda.

As political maneuvering intensifies, Macron’s allies, including those from the radical left-wing France Unbowed (LFI) party, are uniting to defeat RN candidates. However, voter compliance with these endorsements remains uncertain, given Marine Le Pen’s efforts to moderate her party’s image.

Prime Minister Gabriel Attal and other political leaders propose ad hoc alliances to pass legislation if no group secures an outright majority, indicating a potentially turbulent legislative period ahead.

As France braces for the second round, the outcome will determine whether Macron faces a hung parliament or a formidable far-right opposition.