Evening Briefing · Monday 28 September 2026
Le Pen Hails Senate 'Breakthrough' as National Rally Surges
The National Rally and its allies more than tripled their representation in the French Senate, from four seats to 14. “The results have exceeded our expectations; the breakthrough is widespread, confirming the accelerated expansion of the National Rally across the country,” Marine Le Pen said.
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Le Pen called the result “a historic victory and a major milestone”. The Senate is chosen by local electors rather than the public, so gains there reflect a slow build-up of councillors and mayors — the ground organisation the party has long lacked. The hard left also gained seats. Both will be read as signals ahead of next year’s presidential election.