The 2024 French legislative election concluded on July 7, 2024, with the election of all 577 members of the 17th National Assembly of the Fifth French Republic. The election was held in two rounds, on June 30 and July 7, with some voters outside of metropolitan France casting their ballots a day earlier. This snap election was triggered by President Emmanuel Macron following the dissolution of the National Assembly, after the National Rally (RN) made substantial gains in the 2024 European Parliament election, and Macron’s Besoin d’Europe electoral list lost a significant number of seats.
The first round of the election saw the National Rally and candidates jointly backed by Éric Ciotti of The Republicans (LR) leading with 33.21% of the vote. The parties of the New Popular Front (NFP) followed with 28.14%, while the pro-Macron alliance Ensemble secured 21.28% of the vote. Meanwhile, LR candidates garnered 6.57% of the vote. The overall turnout for the first round was 66.71%, marking the highest turnout since 1997. This high level of voter engagement set the stage for a closely watched second round.
The results of the first round led to a record number of constituencies proceeding to runoffs. A total of 306 constituencies were headed to three-way runoffs, while 5 constituencies would have four-way runoffs. However, in an effort to reduce the RN’s chances of winning an absolute majority of seats, 134 NFP and 82 Ensemble candidates withdrew from the run-off despite qualifying. This strategic move aimed to consolidate support against the RN in the second round.
Election Context and Implications
The 2024 French legislative election was significant not only due to its snap nature but also because of the substantial gains made by the National Rally in the preceding European Parliament election. The performance of Macron’s Besoin d’Europe electoral list, which lost a considerable number of seats, prompted President Macron to dissolve the National Assembly, leading to this legislative election. The election’s outcome will have implications for the political landscape of France, potentially influencing the balance of power within the National Assembly.
The high turnout and the strategic withdrawals of candidates from the NFP and Ensemble indicate a highly contested and dynamic political environment. The decision by NFP and Ensemble candidates to withdraw, despite qualifying for the runoff, underscores the tactical efforts to counter the National Rally’s advancement. This move reflects the complexities of French politics, where alliances and strategic decisions play a crucial role in shaping election outcomes.
As the second round concluded on July 7, 2024, attention now turns to the formation of the new National Assembly and the potential implications for French politics and policy. The composition of the 17th National Assembly will be closely watched, especially in terms of how the different political groups will navigate the legislative process and potentially influence the policy agenda of the Macron administration. The election’s aftermath will also be significant, as political parties and alliances regroup and position themselves for future challenges.
Looking ahead, the focus will be on how the newly elected National Assembly addresses pressing national and international issues. The ability of the different political groups to work together, or potentially clash, will set the tone for the legislative term. As France navigates its domestic and international agendas, the outcomes of the 2024 legislative election will provide a critical backdrop. The coming weeks and months will be crucial in understanding the full implications of this election and how it will shape the trajectory of French politics.
