Le Pen's party wins record number of seats in French Senate election

France's far-right National Rally (RN) party, together with its allies, achieved a record result in Sunday's Senate election, winning 14 seats in the 348-seat upper chamber.

The tally represents roughly a fourfold increase in the party's previous number of seats in the Senate, a chamber traditionally dominated by right-leaning parties. The gains suggest RN is expanding its foothold in institutions where it has historically held less influence.

Victory ahead of key elections

The Senate vote took place just months before France's presidential election, giving the result added political weight. Party leader Marine Le Pen's response to the outcome was characterized as a declaration of victory, underlining the significance the party attaches to the result for its broader political strategy.

France's Senate is elected indirectly, chosen by an electoral college made up largely of local government representatives rather than through a direct popular vote. This means the results often reflect political sentiment at the municipal level and the backing of local officials, rather than national public opinion alone.

The record number of seats won by RN and its allies is being seen as a significant step in consolidating the party's influence within France's political system, particularly with the presidential election on the horizon.