Insight into the sentiments of French Generation Z toward the recent youth snap elections' outcomes
The snap elections in France, held in 2024, marked a significant turning point in the country's political landscape. The elections were called by President Emmanuel Macron following his centrist Renaissance party's heavy losses to the far-right National Rally in the European Parliament elections.
The key causes of these elections were several-fold. Macron's unpopular domestic policies, such as fuel tax increases and pension reform, had lowered his approval ratings and alienated voters. The resurgent far-right National Rally capitalized on public discontent to win approximately a third of the vote, with projections suggesting they would win between 230 and 300 seats in the National Assembly, close to or exceeding the absolute majority of 289 seats.
The traditional political landscape was also fragmented, with far-left and far-right parties collectively holding nearly half the seats. This fragmentation led to legislative paralysis, making it difficult for Macron to regain control amid declining popularity and political instability.
The consequences of the snap elections were far-reaching. The National Rally, poised to form France's first far-right government since World War II, represented a historic shift in French politics. The National Assembly became fragmented and potentially gridlocked, with the far-left and far-right holding significant power to block government initiatives, undermining stable governance.
Political turmoil within Macron’s centrist coalition and allied parties also ensued, including internal competition and resignations linked to electoral fraud investigations. The rise of populist, nationalist rhetoric challenged France’s traditional centrist and left-right political structures, influencing policy priorities, especially on immigration and economic reform.
The country now finds itself in a precarious spot, with the New Popular Front, Macron's Ensemble alliance, and the National Rally all having significant numbers but differing political views. The lack of a functioning government has left France in a state of political uncertainty, with the future elections in 2027 predicted to bring a different outcome by some, such as Victor.
Meanwhile, the far-left's victory in the elections, led by Jean-Luc Mélenchon, was considered temporary relief by some respondents. Mélenchon's commitment to overturning Macron's pension reform seems to have won him support, but he remains unpopular with 73% of French people holding a negative opinion of him.
The rise of the far-right and the left in French politics has not gone unnoticed by French Gen Zers, who have expressed concerns about the direction of the country's politics. Gen Zers tend to be less connected to one party or ideology, making them more likely to swing across the political spectrum during elections and change their viewpoint at any given point in time.
The National Rally, under the leadership of Marine Le Pen, finished third in the snap elections but won about 140 seats, more than at any time in history. Dr. König stated that right-wing populists are gaining popularity on TikTok, with far-right politicians like Jordan Bardella garnering significant attention on the platform.
In summary, the snap elections were triggered by Macron’s response to electoral setbacks and domestic dissatisfaction, leading to a historic strengthening of the far-right National Rally and resulting in legislative deadlock and shifts in France’s political dynamics. The future of French politics remains uncertain, with the elections in 2027 promising to bring further change.
The snap elections in France, held in 2024, were a reflection of the country's general-news landscape, as they were influenced by Macron's unpopular domestic policies and the resurgence of the far-right National Rally. Moreover, the elections' results, characterized by the strengthening of the National Rally and the fragmentation of the political landscape, showcased the impact of politics on French society and the potential changes ahead in the 2027 elections.
