Much to the surprise of many observers of France’s parliamentary election, young people who supported the leftist New Popular Front coalition could joyfully celebrate the July 7 result. They told the fascist National Rally, known for its racism, Islamophobia and fascism, to “f**k off!” That was the

Since a three-way race made it more likely the National Rally would win, the NFP and Macron’s party agreed in most cases to withdraw the candidate with less votes in the first round and thus increase the chances of a NR defeat. They avoided competing in over 200 election districts, with more left candidates withdrawing. The result of this electoral maneuver: The NFP won 182 seats; Macron’s Ensemble coalition won 168; and the National Rally won 143.

For this moment, voters in France rejected a National Rally government. But none of the basic problems of capitalist society in France have been resolved. Nor has any government yet been formed. And there is little doubt that the class struggle will intensify.