French Parliamentary Election and Far-Right Results

Last week, France was preparing for the possibility of its first far-right government since World War II. Now, it faces a political crossroads, just weeks before the Olympics kick off in Paris.

French President Emmanuel Macron shocked the nation last month when he dissolved Parliament and announced snap elections, hoping to win more seats for his centrist party. But after the first round of elections last week, Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally made historic gains and seemed poised to secure a large victory in the runoff. 

Instead, the leftist Popular Front came out on top in Sunday night’s elections after forming an alliance with Macron’s centrists. However, no party secured an absolute majority of seats, leaving the country uncertain of what party will lead it.

Today on “Post Reports,” host Martine Powers speaks with international correspondent Rick Noack about what these election results spell for France’s long-term future and global standing, and how that might impact Paris’s readiness to host the 2024 Summer Olympics. 

Today’s show was produced by Ariel Plotnick and Ali Bianco. It was edited by Ted Muldoon and mixed by Sean Carter. Thanks to Marisa Bellack.

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