France saw an unusually high 59% turnout of voters for the upcoming legislative elections.
The percentage markers a 20 percent higher turnout then at the same time in the last first-round vote in 2022.
Voters across France cast ballots this weekend in the first round of early parliamentary elections that could witness conservative leadership for the first time since the Nazi era.
Several right-wing parties gained traction in recent European elections.
French President Emmanuel Macron was defeated by Marine Le Pen’s Nationalist Party, prompting him to announce new elections to take place later this month. Voters will head back to the polls to choose lawmakers for France’s National Assembly.
“The rise of nationalists and demagogues is a danger for our nation and for Europe,” Macron said. “After this day, I cannot go on as though nothing has happened.”
Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, grew her right-wing Brothers of Italy base, taking 28.3% of the vote. When the party secured its victory in 2022, it had 26% of the vote.
Belgium’s Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, a liberal, announced his resignation following the success of the conservative-nationalist Eurosceptic New Flemish Alliance (NVA). Populist party Eurosceptic Vlaams Belang (VB) is the second-largest political entity in the country.
“The King has accepted my resignation,” De Croo wrote on X. “The government will manage current affairs and prepare the transition to a new team. I would like to sincerely thank our voters and militants.”
“The election results are a disappointment and I take responsibility for that,” he added.
