The rise of the far-right in France triggers calls for democratic unity

In the recent early legislative elections in France, the country's political landscape took an unexpected turn as the far right emerged as the leader in the first round of voting. National Rally (RN), the party of Marine Le Pen, managed to secure over 34% of the votes, according to estimates from Ifop and Ipsos at the close of the polls. This result has created an unprecedented political scenario in France, triggering a series of reactions and calls for unity from other political actors. Faced with the advancement of the far right, President Emmanuel Macron has called for a broad alliance against this sector, in an attempt to halt their rise in the second round of elections. Macron appealed for a "clearly democratic and republican" alliance to confront the National Rally and its coalition of allies, who stand as the most voted political force in this initial electoral stage. With a significantly high turnout, exceeding 59% according to data from the Ministry of the Interior, the French turned out massively to the polls in an atmosphere of uncertainty and concern for the country's political future. The possibility of a shift in France's direction, with the far right coming to power for the first time since World War II, has raised concerns among the population. President Macron, who called for these elections following the setback suffered by his centrist coalition in the European elections, finds himself in a delicate position in the face of Le Pen's far-right advance. The French political landscape seems to be at a turning point that could shape the country's future and its position in the European Union, as well as its international relations, especially regarding Ukraine and Russia. The outcome of these elections, to be decided in the second round on July 7th, is uncertain, and the French electoral system presents a complex scenario for the distribution of seats in the National Assembly. The possibility of the National Rally obtaining an absolute majority has raised concerns among those who fear a series of abrupt changes in French politics. Left-wing parties have expressed their willingness to unite in case they come in third place in the first round, with the aim of halting the far-right advance in the second round. Faced with the threat posed by a potential government led by Marine Le Pen, traditional political forces are seeking strategies to avoid a scenario they consider harmful to France. The final outcome of these elections will have repercussions at the national and international levels, determining the political direction France will take in the coming years. With a polarized political landscape and a divided citizenry, the upcoming weeks will be crucial for the country's future and its position in the European scene. The second round is shaping up to be a key moment in which the political destiny of France will be determined, and the role it will play on the international stage.