French Leftist Alliance Emerges Victorious in Elections

Alliance Wins Most Seats in Parliament After Tactical Voting

Mélenchon Purges Critics After Election Victory

PARIS - A left-wing alliance in France has emerged as the surprising victor after the second and decisive round of voting in legislative elections. The alliance, led by Jean-Luc Mélenchon, is projected to win the most seats in the French parliament after tactical voting in Sunday's second round election.

Mélenchon, a long-time left-wing figure, has carried out a late-night purge of senior colleagues who had previously criticised his extreme positions. He joined the Socialist Party in 1976 at the age of 25 and was elected to various regional, national and European legislative positions.

The victory of the left-wing alliance is a major upset, as it had been widely expected that the centrist coalition led by President Emmanuel Macron would win the most seats in parliament. However, tactical voting by voters on the left and right appears to have helped the left-wing alliance to victory.