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French parties scramble to strike second-round alliances after National Rally tops first-round results
Over 300 constituencies could face three-way run-offs unless candidates withdraw by 6pm tomorrow
France rally
FRENCH non-fascist parties are scrambling to strike deals to put up just one candidate against the National Rally in next weekend’s election, after it topped polls in the first round.
Marine Le Pen’s far-right party received 9,374,454 votes, or 29.24 per cent, according to official figures, slightly less than the 34 per cent predicted in exit polls. It enters the second round in 485 of France’s 577 parliamentary seats, more than any other party.
Yet it was only just ahead of the left-wing New Popular Front’s 8,974,463 votes (27.99 per cent). The left alliance has qualified for 446 run-offs, but must now determine how many to stand in.
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