A left-wing coalition that was unexpectedly formed ahead of France’s general election won the most seats in parliament, according to a poll on Sunday. Ipsos estimates after the runoff show the New Popular Front is expected to finish ahead of Marine Le Pen’s far-right party and President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist alliance.
Jean-Luc Mélenchon and Raphaël Glucksmann (Associated Press and Twitter)
Key highlights
- According to exit polls, the New Popular Front is predicted to win the French elections.
- The New Popular Front is made up of five political parties.
- Exit polls suggest it is expected to win between 172 and 192 seats.
The left-wing coalition that unexpectedly formed before the election France Polls forecast on Sunday showed the most parliamentary seats were won in the early elections. New People’s Front According to Ipsos projections following the runoff, France’s ruling coalition is expected to finish ahead of Marine Le Pen’s far-right party and President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist coalition.
The New Popular Front is made up of five parties and is projected to win 172-192 seats, according to exit polls. At least 289 seats are needed for an absolute majority. Macron’s Ensemble party is projected to come in second with 150-170 seats. Le Pen’s National Rally is projected to come in third with 132-152 seats.
French leftist leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon called the forecast “a great relief for the majority of our country” and also called for Prime Minister Gabriel Atal to resign. Mélenchon is the most prominent of the leftist leaders who have unexpectedly rallied together ahead of two general elections.
The coalition also includes the leader of the Unbowed France party and the Popular Front, led by MEP Raphaël Glucksmann. The New Popular Front has yet to announce its candidate for leadership.
Mélenchon is known for his populist, anti-austerity and environmental policies. Glucksmann has a more moderate, left-wing approach. If the left-wing coalition wins, the choice of prime minister would depend on the allocation of seats in the National Assembly.
