Here are the opinions of various voters as France participated in a parliamentary election on Sunday, which might result in the far-right National Rally (RN) becoming the leading political force. Centrist President Emmanuel Macron hastily called for this election after his party was defeated by the RN in the recent European Parliament elections, seemingly trying to outmaneuver the party.
"I'm furious with the government, especially the president, for taking such a reckless risk," expressed Frederic Maillard, a doctor from Tours. Olivier Grisal, a retiree, noted as he headed to vote in Conflans Sainte-Honorine, west of Paris, "The country is grappling with three starkly different visions of society. There's the far right, Macronism which I see as dangerously dictatorial, and the left, which isn't much better."
Ranaivoatisan Voahirana, employed in the medical field, voted for the government's candidate but felt "almost certain" the National Rally would triumph. "People won't bother hiding their racism anymore," she predicted. Historically ostracized due to its racist and anti-Semitic past, the RN has been working to improve its image and refutes allegations of racism. Its policies resonate with voters frustrated by Macron's handling of household finances, security, and immigration.
"We need to turn back the clock," stated Dorian Garro, a 21-year-old cook, emphasizing his vote was largely driven by a need for more law and order. "Macron hasn't done anything to enhance security," he added, declining to reveal his voting choice. Frederic Wallet, a construction worker, decided to submit a blank ballot, unable to align with any of the candidates.
"Good luck, France, it's going to be chaotic," he concluded.
