Pundit explains impact of French elections on Ukraine

He shared his opinions with Espreso TV.

"The confrontation in society is intense, and the threat of extreme right-wing forces, or the so-called right-wing revenge, continues to affect the French, prompting them to react. This is why voter turnout for the first round is usually lower in certain districts. What is the result? If the far left or far right does not form a majority (280 MPs are needed), then Ukraine will not be in danger. There may be problems in France, such as issues with local laws and governance, but Ukraine will be unaffected," the international policy expert explained.

Shkil added that if one of the extreme political forces (left or right) wins a majority in the snap elections in France, the National Assembly, i.e., the parliament, will gain control over issues important to Ukraine.

"Accordingly, the entire military budget and all decisions affecting external security, which directly impact Ukraine, must go through the parliament. This will be challenging if the Minister of Defense, the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Economy, and others are in opposition to the President. 

The Cabinet of Ministers, appointed by the President but approved by the parliament, will also be in opposition. If the parliament does not approve the cabinet, the President will not have the Cabinet of Ministers he wants in the end.

"Therefore, there is a threat to Ukraine if one of the extreme forces, either left or right, wins. The formation of a formal majority, rather than an absolute majority, does not pose a specific threat to Ukraine," summarized the former MP of Ukraine.

• Earlier, the leader of the far-right French National Rally party, Marine Le Pen, promised to block the deployment of French troops to Ukraine if she won the election.