France is preparing for a political big bang after Marine Le Pen’s National Rally made big gains on Sunday in the first round of the snap parliamentary election.
On the line is the country’s leading role in the EU and NATO — as well as the French economy.
Here are the main takeaways based on first result estimates :
— The National Rally came first with 34 percent of the vote and improved on its already historical score in the European election. Winning an absolute majority next week is now within reach.
— French President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist alliance suffered staggering losses, coming third with 20.3 percent of vote.
— The left-wing alliance made a strong showing with 28.1 percent of the vote.
Hundreds of people have started gathering in Paris to protest the far right victory.
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