In a historic challenge to the political taboo in France, the far-right National Rally party is making its most concerted bid ever to come to power, just weeks before the start of the Summer Olympics in Paris. Sunday's final round of voting is projected to make the anti-immigration, nationalist-populist party the largest in Parliament, although it may fall short of an absolute majority needed to form a government.

The rise of the National Rally is set to create a crisis in France, according to former French Ambassador to the United States, Gerard Araud. In the initial round of voting on June 30, the far-right party secured first place, causing concerns for centrist President Emmanuel Macron. Analysts predict that even if the National Rally doesn't reach an absolute majority, it will still have the ability to hinder Macron's agenda.

Opposing parties, including Macron's centrists, are working frantically to prevent the National Rally from attaining an absolute majority, as it would result in the appointment of the party's 28-year-old leader, Jordan Bardella, as prime minister. However, even without an absolute majority, the far-right party could potentially form a ruling coalition or disrupt Macron's policies.

The electoral system in France adds complexities to predicting the outcome of the upcoming round of voting. The National Rally hopes to secure at least 289 seats in the 577-seat National Assembly, enabling them to form a government without the need for coalition partners. The three main political blocs competing for seats are the National Rally, a coalition called the New Popular Front, and Macron's centrist alliance.

President Macron's decision to call for a snap election was seen as a gamble, following the National Rally's success in the European Parliament election. Macron's party was outpolled by the far-right party by a 2-1 margin, suggesting a significant protest vote. Macron's aim for "clarity" regarding the voters' wishes has now put his leadership in jeopardy.

The National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen, is a rebranded version of the former National Front, which had associations with racism and controversial stances. Le Pen has made efforts to detach the party from its extreme positions, focusing on issues such as immigration control and French-first policies. Although the party has softened its stance on the European Union, it still seeks to weaken the bloc's powers from within.

The rise of the far-right party in France reflects the deep historical roots of the country's distaste for extremism, stemming from the collaborationist Vichy regime during World War II that facilitated the persecution of Jews. The National Rally's policy proposals include stricter immigration controls, increased police powers, and preferential treatment for native-born French citizens.

As the National Rally makes its bid for power, President Macron's administration faces a challenge to its policies and leadership. Macron's push for European integration and business-friendly reforms has left him with a reputation for dismissiveness towards the concerns of ordinary voters, evident in the protests against his move to increase the retirement age.

With the second round of voting approaching, France's political landscape hangs in the balance, and the outcome will determine the future direction of the country. The rise of the far-right National Rally poses a significant threat to Macron's presidency, and France prepares for a potential shift in its political dynamics.