France concluded its 2024 legislative election on July 7, selecting all 577 members of the 17th National Assembly of the Fifth Republic. The election unfolded across two rounds, with the first taking place on June 30 and the second on July 7.
Voters residing outside metropolitan France cast their ballots one day earlier than the mainland. President Emmanuel Macron triggered this snap election by dissolving the National Assembly. This decision followed the substantial gains made by the National Rally (RN) in the 2024 European Parliament election, during which Macron’s Besoin d’Europe electoral list suffered a significant loss of seats.
The first round saw the National Rally and candidates backed by Éric Ciotti of The Republicans (LR) leading with 33.21 percent of the vote. The New Popular Front (NFP) parties followed at 28.14 percent, while the pro-Macron alliance Ensemble secured 21.28 percent.
LR candidates received 6.57 percent of the vote. Voter turnout reached 66.71 percent for the first round, the highest level recorded since 1997. This elevated engagement set the stage for an unusually high number of runoff contests. A record 306 constituencies advanced to three-way runoffs, while five constituencies faced four-way runoffs.
To counter the RN’s chances of securing an absolute majority of seats, 134 NFP candidates and 82 Ensemble candidates withdrew from the runoff despite qualifying. This tactical move aimed to consolidate opposition to the RN in the second round.
The election’s outcome carries significant implications for France’s political landscape, potentially reshaping the balance of power within the National Assembly. The high turnout and strategic withdrawals by NFP and Ensemble candidates underscore a highly contested environment, where alliances and tactical decisions are central to shaping election results. As the second round concluded, attention now turns to the formation of the new National Assembly.
The composition of the 17th Assembly will be closely monitored, particularly regarding how different political groups navigate legislative processes and potentially influence the Macron administration’s policy agenda. The aftermath will also see parties and alliances regrouping for future challenges.
Looking ahead, the newly elected Assembly must address pressing national and international issues. The ability of political groups to cooperate—or their tendency to clash—will define the legislative term. As France manages its domestic and international priorities, the results of the 2024 legislative election provide a critical backdrop for understanding the country’s political trajectory in the coming weeks and months.
