Paris, France – “Of course, we went to vote for Melenchon,” expresses Houcine, a 49-year-old Moroccan descent butcher in Belleville, a diverse Parisian neighborhood.

“On Sunday, I went to the polling station again, but it was closed. A woman explained to me that the left candidate had already won and been elected deputy after the first round. I didn’t even know,” he adds with a smile that lights up his face.

Jean-Luc Melenchon, the veteran socialist leading the New Popular Front (NFP), secured the most seats in the recent elections, blocking the far right’s rise to power.

Houcine, a father of three who moved to France 26 years ago, embodies the spirit of joy among marginalized communities in Paris following the election.

The clouds over Belleville, home to various ethnic eateries and shops, fail to dampen the mood.

“I knew that the National Rally wouldn’t make it. They are too racist, and France, it’s also us, immigrants,” says Houcine.

Many had feared that Marine Le Pen’s anti-immigration party would secure a majority at the National Assembly after a strong first-round showing.

The New Popular Front coalition ultimately won the most seats in the parliament, beating Macron’s centrist movement and pushing the National Rally to third place in just a week.

The result followed a deal between left-wing and centrist candidates to block the far right by withdrawing some politicians in areas where the far right had influence.

All parties fell short of a majority, leading to a hung parliament as coalition negotiations unfold.

Rokhaya Diallo, a French journalist and activist, sees the restraint of the National Rally as a relief but not a victory.

‘It is a half-hearted victory’

Many in Paris have mixed feelings about the election results, balancing relief with concerns about the far right’s lingering influence.

For Jouhayna, a French Moroccan student, the battle against racism is far from over despite the election outcome.

Farouk Ezzou, a Syrian descent shop owner, sees solidarity for Palestine as a driving force behind the left's success in the elections.

Despite the celebrations, concerns loom over the transition of power and the stance on international issues.

As Paris celebrates a victory against the far right, the future remains uncertain, with challenges and responsibilities ahead.