France's Historic Election: Will National Rally Seize Power?

Mainland France is voting in a crucial runoff election that may result in a historic victory for Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally or lead to a hung parliament, creating political deadlock. The election outcome will significantly impact France's political landscape, European stability, and global diplomacy.

On Sunday, voting commenced in mainland France for pivotal runoff elections, determining if Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally will achieve a historic victory or if a hung parliament will emerge, leading to political deadlock.

French President Emmanuel Macron took a significant risk by dissolving parliament and calling for these elections after his party's poor performance in the European elections. The snap elections in this nuclear-armed nation will affect global diplomacy, the war in Ukraine, and Europe's economic stability, potentially weakening Macron's presidency.

The elections are crucial for determining which party will control the 577-member National Assembly and who will be the next prime minister. A loss for Macron's centrists could mean he will have to share power with opposition parties, complicating his pro-business, pro-European Union agenda.

(With inputs from agencies.)