02:19La France Insoumise founder Jean-Luc Melenchon called on voters to swing behind his New Popular Front alliance of left-wing parties, after a second place finish in the first round of the snap French elections on Sunday.
"This is the choice for the second round: either the New Popular Front or the RN (National Rally)," he claimed.
"We must give an absolute majority to the New Popular Front. It's not just a question of voting against, or just wanting to block the way, it's a question of voting for a different future, one that respects all human beings and all living beings as a whole. It can be done," he added.
"France is at stake, the Republic is at stake, our idea of living together is at stake," he alleged.
Sunday's vote saw the anti-immigration National Rally finish first on 33.1 percent of the vote, with the left-wing alliance on 28 percent. President Emmanuel Macron's own group was third on 20.76 percent.
Candidates achieving more than 50 percent of the vote in their area were elected - with 37 elected for NR and 32 for the New Popular Front. Those achieving 12.5 percent go forward to the second round on July 7, although candidates often drop out to maximise support for the party best placed to beat their main opponent.
Turnout was 66.7 percent. 289 seats are needed for an absolute majority in the 577-seat National Assembly.
Macron called the snap legislative vote following huge losses for his Renaissance party in the EU Parliament elections, which saw a huge surge for National Rally. The next election was not expected until 2027.
Across the bloc, conservative, nationalist and anti-immigration groups also made large gains. Many called for a focus on domestic priorities amid the soaring cost of living, as well as lower taxes, better border security and an end to foreign military interventions, such as in Ukraine.
Macron has not held a majority in parliament since 2022 and has used executive powers to pass legislation like his pension reforms, which have seen huge protests.
Left behind? Melenchon calls on voters to unite with second-placed New Popular Front to stop National Rally
La France Insoumise founder Jean-Luc Melenchon called on voters to swing behind his New Popular Front alliance of left-wing parties, after a second place finish in the first round of the snap French elections on Sunday.
"This is the choice for the second round: either the New Popular Front or the RN (National Rally)," he claimed.
"We must give an absolute majority to the New Popular Front. It's not just a question of voting against, or just wanting to block the way, it's a question of voting for a different future, one that respects all human beings and all living beings as a whole. It can be done," he added.
"France is at stake, the Republic is at stake, our idea of living together is at stake," he alleged.
Sunday's vote saw the anti-immigration National Rally finish first on 33.1 percent of the vote, with the left-wing alliance on 28 percent. President Emmanuel Macron's own group was third on 20.76 percent.
Candidates achieving more than 50 percent of the vote in their area were elected - with 37 elected for NR and 32 for the New Popular Front. Those achieving 12.5 percent go forward to the second round on July 7, although candidates often drop out to maximise support for the party best placed to beat their main opponent.
Turnout was 66.7 percent. 289 seats are needed for an absolute majority in the 577-seat National Assembly.
Macron called the snap legislative vote following huge losses for his Renaissance party in the EU Parliament elections, which saw a huge surge for National Rally. The next election was not expected until 2027.
Across the bloc, conservative, nationalist and anti-immigration groups also made large gains. Many called for a focus on domestic priorities amid the soaring cost of living, as well as lower taxes, better border security and an end to foreign military interventions, such as in Ukraine.
Macron has not held a majority in parliament since 2022 and has used executive powers to pass legislation like his pension reforms, which have seen huge protests.
La France Insoumise founder Jean-Luc Melenchon called on voters to swing behind his New Popular Front alliance of left-wing parties, after a second place finish in the first round of the snap French elections on Sunday.
"This is the choice for the second round: either the New Popular Front or the RN (National Rally)," he claimed.
"We must give an absolute majority to the New Popular Front. It's not just a question of voting against, or just wanting to block the way, it's a question of voting for a different future, one that respects all human beings and all living beings as a whole. It can be done," he added.
"France is at stake, the Republic is at stake, our idea of living together is at stake," he alleged.
Sunday's vote saw the anti-immigration National Rally finish first on 33.1 percent of the vote, with the left-wing alliance on 28 percent. President Emmanuel Macron's own group was third on 20.76 percent.
Candidates achieving more than 50 percent of the vote in their area were elected - with 37 elected for NR and 32 for the New Popular Front. Those achieving 12.5 percent go forward to the second round on July 7, although candidates often drop out to maximise support for the party best placed to beat their main opponent.
Turnout was 66.7 percent. 289 seats are needed for an absolute majority in the 577-seat National Assembly.
Macron called the snap legislative vote following huge losses for his Renaissance party in the EU Parliament elections, which saw a huge surge for National Rally. The next election was not expected until 2027.
Across the bloc, conservative, nationalist and anti-immigration groups also made large gains. Many called for a focus on domestic priorities amid the soaring cost of living, as well as lower taxes, better border security and an end to foreign military interventions, such as in Ukraine.
Macron has not held a majority in parliament since 2022 and has used executive powers to pass legislation like his pension reforms, which have seen huge protests.