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France Election Le Pen
FILE - French far-right leader Marine Le Pen reacts as she meets supporters and journalists after the release of projections based on the actual vote count in select constituencies , Sunday, June 30, 2024 in Henin-Beaumont, northern France. French far-right leader Marine Le Pen appeared last week to be nearer to power than ever after her National Rally party, strengthened by new allies, triumphed in the opening round of legislative elections, with a first place that was by no means a hole in one but still looked like an impressive tee-shot, apparently positioning it to possibly win or get close to an absolute parliamentary majority in the decisive run-off round this Sunday. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, File)

The far right seemed to have a lock on France's legislative elections. Here's why it didn't it win

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen appeared to be nearer to power than ever last week after her National Rally party triumphed in the opening round of legislative elections

By JOHN LEICESTER
Published - Jul 08, 2024, 12:57 PM ET
Last Updated - Jul 08, 2024, 12:57 PM EDT

PARIS (AP) — Seemingly so close, and yet still so far away.

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen looked to be nearer to power than ever last week after her National Rally party, strengthened by new allies, triumphed in the opening round of legislative elections. Its first place wasn't a hole-in- one but looked like an impressive position to possibly win or get close to an absolute parliamentary majority in the decisive runoff.

But what Le Pen hoped would be a watershed victory turned into another setback. Although her party won more National Assembly seats than ever, it yet again hit a wall of voters who don't believe the National Rally should govern France or has shed its links to racism, antisemitism and the country's still painful World War II past of collaboration with Nazi Germany.

“The tide is rising,” Le Pen said. “It did not rise high enough this time.”

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