France’s 2024 elections could transform the country’s political landscape, potentially leading to a state of coexistence if no party wins a majority. Macron’s renaissance faces challenges from the far-right Rally National and a resurgent Left coalition. The electoral process will be held over two rounds, and its outcome will be crucial for governing amid global uncertainty.
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France is approaching important parliamentary elections, with two rounds of voting scheduled for June 30 and July 7. 2024Following the Renaissance Union’s crushing defeat in the European Parliament elections, Emmanuel Macron He has decided to call a general election. His strategy is to regain power, especially in the face of growing challenges from the far right and the opposition. National Meeting And the left is resurrected.
The voting process: How does it work?
French parliamentary elections are usually held in two rounds, across 577 electoral districts. In the first round, scheduled for June 30, voters choose between several candidates. If a candidate receives an absolute majority (at least 25% but more than 50% of the votes), he or she is considered to have won outright. Usually, no candidate reaches this threshold, so a runoff election, scheduled for July 7, will take place. On this day, the top two candidates will compete against any other candidate who receives the support of more than 12.5% of registered voters. The candidate who receives the most votes in this round will win a seat in the National Assembly.
Potential outcomes and their impact
Macron’s coalition government wins majorityIf Macron’s Liberal coalition secures an absolute majority, or 289 seats, he could appoint a prime minister of his choice, likely from his own allies, allowing him to implement his policies without the need for extensive negotiations with other parties.
Macron has a relative majorityMacron’s coalition might win most of the seats but fall short of an absolute majority, in which case he would need to forge alliances to pass legislation, potentially plunging the country into a coalition government.
Victory of the National Rally or the Left CoalitionMarine Le Pen currently leads the far-right National Rally. If they or the left-leaning New Popular Front win an absolute majority, Macron said:CohabitationHe must then appoint a prime minister from the winning coalition government despite political differences.
Cohabitation: How it works
When the French president and prime minister belong to different parties, the country is said to be in a divided government. In such a divided government, domestic affairs are controlled by the prime minister and cabinet, while the president retains authority over foreign and defense policy. This arrangement has not been seen in recent years. It poses major challenges to governance and could stall any major reforms or initiatives.
The Roles of the President and Congress
In France’s semi-presidential system, the president has broad powers, including the power to dissolve Parliament, call referendums and command the armed forces, but day-to-day governance and setting the legislative agenda rest with the prime minister and the National Assembly.
Opinion polls show a tight contest between Macron’s coalition government, the Rally National and the New Popular Front. The upcoming elections could determine not only the direction of France’s domestic policy but also its standing within the European Union.
