Big Election Surprise in France: Left-Wing Coalition Leads, Marine Le Pen’s Hopes Dashed

Paris, July 8 – Violence erupted across France after an exit poll suggested a left-wing coalition’s lead in the snap election, surprising many and affecting Marine Le Pen’s plans for a hard-right government. Video footage showed masked demonstrators causing disturbances, leading to nationwide deployment of riot police.

Prime Minister Gabriel Attal resigned as the far-left alliance surged ahead. Thousands gathered at Paris’s Place de la Republique to celebrate, showing support for the coalition over Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron’s centrist bloc, which came in second. Conservatives were shocked, having expected Marine Le Pen’s National Rally to win.

Social media showed fiery scenes in Paris, with authorities using tear gas amid clashes. Protesters threw Molotov cocktails and set off smoke bombs. The victorious left-wing coalition, called the Popular Front, includes the Socialist Party, the French Communist Party, the Ecologists, and France Unbowed. Their plans include overturning Macron’s pension reforms, raising public sector wages, reinstating a wealth tax, and increasing the minimum wage.

The National Rally, led by Jordan Bardella, made significant gains but fell short of expectations. Bardella criticized Macron for causing instability. President Emmanuel Macron will wait to decide on a new government, according to the Elysee Palace. The left-wing NFP’s projected win led to celebrations in Paris, with people holding signs and chanting as the outcome was confirmed at 8 PM local time.