Far-Right National Rally Disappointed by Election Results

Projected Results Fall Short of Expectations

Second-Round Results Map and Chart

The far-right National Rally (RN) emerged from the first round of parliamentary elections in France on a wave of high expectations. However, projected results from the second and final round on Sunday fell short of those expectations, leaving party leaders trying to put a brave face on a disappointing showing.

As of Sunday evening, the RN was projected to secure around 80 seats in the 577-member National Assembly, significantly less than the 15-20% share of the vote the party had hoped for. The results represented a slight increase in the party's presence in parliament but fell short of the breakthrough it had sought.

Party leader Marine Le Pen acknowledged the disappointment but vowed that the RN "will not give up" its fight against Emmanuel Macron's government. She described the results as a "first step" towards the 2024 presidential election, in which she intends to run again.

The RN's lackluster performance can be attributed to a number of factors, including the mobilization of left-wing voters against it and the party's failure to broaden its appeal beyond its traditional base. The widespread perception that Le Pen is not a viable presidential candidate may also have played a role.

Despite its setback, the RN remains a force to be reckoned with in French politics. Its continued presence in the National Assembly will give it a platform to criticize Macron's policies and build support ahead of the next presidential election.