The Front National is tipped to ‘win’ this year’s elections in France, but it needs more than votes to claim a share of power

In addition to the European Parliament elections in May, France will hold municipal elections on 23 and 30 March. James Shields writes that, as with many French elections, the far-right Front National (FN) has attracted much media coverage and public attention in the lead-up. However, he argues that while the FN might significantly improve its share of votes and seats, the party remains critically hampered by its lack of political allies and a highly disproportional electoral system that punishes isolation.