Le Pen's rivals are in a race against time to stop her progress

The rivals of the far right in France are in a race against time to stop the advancement of the party led by Marine Le Pen. Following the historic triumph of the National Rally in the first round of the parliamentary elections held on June 30th, the alarm has been raised about the possibility of them obtaining a majority in the National Assembly. With around 33% of the votes in their favor, this nationalist faction positions itself as a force to be reckoned with in the French political landscape. The second round of legislative elections, which will take place this Sunday, July 7th, will be decisive in determining whether the National Rally manages to consolidate its position or if its rivals succeed in halting its advancement. Marine Le Pen and her allies face several obstacles that could hinder their path to power, despite the surprising success in the first round. The strategy of the "Republican front," which has united left and center forces to confront the far right, aims to prevent vote splitting and block the progress of Le Pen's party. The far right in France faces resistance from political sectors that have agreed to withdraw candidates to favor those competing against the National Rally. In a scenario where each seat is crucial, the support of different factions could be decisive in preventing Marine Le Pen from achieving an absolute majority in the National Assembly. Political polarization in the country has reached historic levels, with demonstrations, riots, and an intense struggle for control of the legislative power. While the far right has gained considerable support in France, it still faces challenges in convincing the population of its ability to govern. The strategy of "de-demonizing" its public image has allowed the National Rally to gain ground, but doubts persist about its competence and credibility to lead the country. The rejection of many citizens towards extreme positions and political divisions could influence the election results, with a high participation expected from the so-called "Republican front" to block the far right. The European context and French concerns about the cost of living and immigration have been central in the far right's campaign. However, the perception that the National Rally represents a democratic danger and its association with dark moments in French history continue to generate hesitations among parts of the population. Despite its rise in the polls, the National Rally will have to demonstrate that it is prepared to govern and overcome a confrontational logic if it aims to achieve a resounding victory. The uncertainty about the results on July 7th leaves various scenarios open in France. From the possibility of a "cohabitation" with a government led by Marine Le Pen to the formation of alliances between opposing political forces to prevent her rise to power. The figure of Emmanuel Macron is emerging as a weakened leader, with an uncertain future until the next presidential elections in 2027. The far right, although without a guaranteed victory, has managed to make unprecedented strides in French politics, challenging the establishment and generating an intense struggle for control of the National Assembly.