Oberhaus des Parlaments: Machtzuwachs für Le Pens Rechtsnationale im Pariser Senat

Seven months before the presidential election in France, the right-wing National Rally (RN) led by Marine Le Pen gained factional strength in the Paris Senate's partial election, according to French media based on largely definitive election results. Le Pen announced a "historic victory" and the achievement of a significant milestone, even before the complete results were available.

She stated that the results exceeded all expectations and represented a comprehensive break-through, confirming the increasing spread of the National Rally across the country. Half of the Senate, the upper house of the French Parliament, was up for election on Sunday. Around 93,500 local and regional politicians were summoned to vote, who are not directly elected by the population.

Traditionally, the parliamentary chamber has been dominated by conservatives, and the expectation was that the partial election would not result in significant shifts in power. The conservative Républicains had 131 members, while the Macron administration had 19 seats in the Senate. The RN had previously held three seats, and at least ten were required to form a faction.

The RN gained additional seats thanks to the support of the new right-wing split party of former Républicains leader Éric Ciotti, who has been the mayor of Nice since the end of March. As a faction, the RN now enjoys more rights in the Senate, such as speaking time, the ability to ask questions to the government, and determining the agenda.

The RN's power increase has primarily served as a signal effect ahead of the presidential election where Le Pen herself will run as a candidate hoping for success. The right-wing RN's victory has particularly positive effects. In the previous parliamentary elections in 2024, the RN became the largest faction in the National Assembly.

The election results strengthen Le Pen and her party significantly. It remains to be seen how likely it is that the daughter of party founder Jean-Marie Le Pen will actually be elected President in the coming spring. Of course, this depends on who runs against other political camps. However, these have not yet clearly sorted themselves out, apart from France's left-wing party, for which their leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon is running.

Le Pen's chances of participating in the runoff are quite good, as her polls have been consistently above 30 percent for months. However, a conviction for misappropriation of EU funds, confirmed by a court of appeal in July and appealed by Le Pen, could impede her. Depending on how quickly the Cassation Court decides, the 58-year-old could face shackles and restrictions on her freedom during the campaign, with potential restrictions continuing after her presidency.

The Senate consists of 348 members elected for six years, with roughly half up for election every three years. Now, it is 178. The Senate is involved in legislation, but must yield to the majority vote of the National Assembly in conflicts. The official final results of the election will be published on Monday.