Threat to democracy: Marine Le Pen's majority in parliamentary elections leads to riots in Paris | WATCH

France's far-right National Rally (RN), led by Marine Le Pen, has emerged at the forefront in the initial projections of the French parliamentary elections, relegating President Emmanuel Macron's party to a distant third place.

According to IPSOS estimates, the RN-led far-right alliance has secured 34 per cent of the vote, positioning it ahead of the left-wing alliance with 28.1 per cent. Macron's party, Ensemble, trails significantly with 20.3 per cent.

Seat Projections for Second Round

Projections indicate that following the second round of voting next Sunday, the RN could secure between 230 and 280 seats in the 577-seat National Assembly, falling short of an absolute majority of 289 seats required. Meanwhile, the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) is projected to win between 125 and 165 seats, with Macron's Ensemble and its allies expected to secure between 70 and 100 seats.

The projections underscore a potential shift in power, with the RN closer to significant influence than ever before, amid Marine Le Pen's efforts to distance the party from the racism and antisemitism associated with her father, Jean-Marie Le Pen.

Celebrations and Electoral Process

Following the announcement of results, RN supporters celebrated at their election party in Henin Beaumont, highlighting the party's buoyant mood ahead of the final round.

This snap election, three years ahead of schedule, follows Macron's Renaissance party's setback in the recent European Parliament elections, where the RN emerged victorious. Macron responded swiftly to the electoral message with the snap election, the first of its kind in France since 1997, aiming to address the electorate's discontent, as reported by CNN.

Antifa Riots and Vandalism

Following the RN's impressive showing, Antifa activists have taken to the streets in various French cities, rioting and vandalising shops in protest of the right's electoral success. The unrest underscores the deep divisions within French society and the contentious nature of this election.

BREAKING: Antifa are rioting in France and vandalizing shops after massive victory for the right.

It's time to realize that the far-left are a threat to democracy.pic.twitter.com/zDcgxrxl23

— PeterSweden (@PeterSweden7) June 30, 2024

On social media, the reaction has been fierce. One post starkly stated, "It's time to realise that the far-left are a threat to democracy," highlighting the polarised responses to the election results and subsequent riots.

Extremist groups that do not accept the French elections caused chaos in Paris last night. pic.twitter.com/c6OaOwR3Yj

— Europe Invasion (@EuropeInvasionn) July 1, 2024