Scholz Voices Concern Over France's Political Shift

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed concern over France's political situation as Marine Le Pen's National Rally led in the first round of national snap elections. Scholz emphasized the potential impact on the EU and voiced hope that France would prevent a right-wing populist government.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday expressed concern over the political situation in France, where Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally came out well ahead in a first-round vote of national snap elections. The comments mark the first time Scholz, a Social Democrat, has expressed a clear political preference with regard to France.

WHY IT'S IMPORTANT Germany and France form the backbone of the European Union and a political change in either country could shift the balance in the entire bloc.

Germany itself is seeing rising support for the far-right Alternative for Deutschland, which currently score second in opinion polls, although national elections are not due until autumn next year. July 7 will see the second round of France's parliamentary election.

KEY QUOTES - Scholz described the situation in France as "depressing".

- "In any case, I am keeping my fingers crossed that the French, whom I love and appreciate so much, the country that means so much to me, will succeed in preventing a government led by a right-wing populist party from being formed," Scholz said.