Rassemblement National Loses Ardennes Seat in Narrow Defeat

Lionel Vuibert, a former Renaissance deputy running as an independent, wins by 372 votes in a low-turnout election marked by a united front against the far-right party.

Lionel Vuibert secured 50.89% of the vote in the Ardennes legislative by-election, defeating RN candidate Jordan Duflot who garnered 49.11%.
The election followed the resignation of RN's Flavien Termet, citing medical reasons just months after his initial victory in the constituency.
Low voter turnout characterized the election, with only 30.86% participation in the second round, reflecting widespread abstention.
Vuibert benefited from a 'republican front,' with endorsements from candidates of Les Républicains and Nouveau Front Populaire urging voters to block the RN.
The loss reduces RN's seats in the National Assembly to 123, raising questions about the party's strategy and its role in recent political turmoil, including its support for a no-confidence motion against the government.