French president Macron's party set for decisive parliamentary majority
French President Emmanuel Macron's centrist La Republique en Marche (Republic on the Move) party and its ally MoDem are projected to win 445 out of 557 seats in the National Assembly. The final outcome of the parliamentary elections will be decided after a run-off election. Macron's established his party just over a year ago. Most candidates have limited or no political experience.
French elections 2017: Macron secures decisive victory over Le Pen
On May 8, centrist candidate Emmanuel Macron emerged winner in the second round of the French presidential election, securing a decisive victory over his far-right opponent Marine Le Pen. Macron gathered 65.8% votes, becoming France's youngest President. Speaking to a crowd of supporters at the Louvre, Macron promised to fight divisive forces in France, guarantee its unity and to defend and protect Europe.
Macron-allies win 32.3% vote, incumbent Socialists down to 7.4%
Macron's En Marche and ally MoDem secured 32.3% of the vote. The centre-right republicans won just below 16% of the vote while the Socialists, France's former ruling party, won just 7.4%. Voter turnout for the first round parliamentary elections declined sharply to 48.7%, compared to 57.2% in 2012. Analysts believe this demonstrates an increasing sense of resignation among Macron's opponents.
En Marche representatives politically inexperienced, come from diverse backgrounds
Candidates representing Macron's En Marche include students, retired citizens and even a bullfighter. "Scores, hundreds, of new MPs will be arriving who have never set foot in a debating chamber of any kind, let alone the country's legislature," notes Schofield.
Parties blame low voter-turnout for loss
Following the results, a Macron government spokesperson said voters had shown their backing for fast-paced reforms. Republicans party head François Baroin said the low voter-turnout demonstrates "deep divisions in French society." Far-right National Front (FN) party's leader Marine Le Pen blamed low turnout for her party's poor performance. Socialist leader Jean-Christophe Cambadélis warned that an absolute En Marche majority would wipe out any opposition.
