French Prime Minister affirms possibility of thwarting far-right's majority achievement, according to statement.

France's prime minister declared that nationwide efforts aimed at preventing Marine Le Pen’s National Rally (RN) from gaining an outright majority in parliament could succeed. More than 200 candidates withdrew their candidacy for the legislative election runoff to avoid splitting the anti-far-right vote, according to Gabriel Attal, a French politician and member of President Emmanuel Macron's party.

"We can prevent an absolute majority for the far right," Attal said on Wednesday, adding that 90% of candidates from Macron's centrist camp had decided not to participate in three-way races if they were positioned third with an RN candidate ahead.

The National Rally and its prospective future leader, Jordan Bardella, secured first place in the initial round election held last Sunday with 33% of the vote, followed by the New Popular Front (NFP) alliance at 28% and Macron's Together alliance at 20%.

The high turnout resulted in over 300 second-round elections featuring three candidates. This increased RN’s chances to gain 289 seats, which would grant them an absolute majority. Polls had initially estimated that RN might secure between 190 and 220 seats in the runoff election.

The withdrawal of many candidates reduced this likelihood, with polls predicting that RN could fall short of a majority on Sunday, securing between 190 and 220 seats. The New Popular Front (NFP) alliance was anticipated to win second place in the election, while Macron's Together alliance remained third.

Attal noted that centrist candidates made the right decision by withdrawing even if it meant allowing a rival from the radical-left France Unbowed party into contention. He emphasized: "It is not desirable for some French citizens to have to vote in a manner they did not wish, which would be our responsibility."

According to Le Monde, 221 candidates, including 132 from the NFP alliance and 83 from Macron's camp and its allies, withdrew by the Tuesday evening deadline. This resulted in a total of 94 "triangular" contests.

The republican front, aimed at preventing far-right parties from gaining power, has been a recurring theme in French politics. However, this campaign saw an unprecedented number of withdrawals by centrist candidates to avoid further division among voters against the RN's nationalist rhetoric and immigration policies.

The outcome of the second-round vote could potentially lead to a hung parliament that may result in prolonged political uncertainty, impacting France’s international standing under President Macron's leadership.