In a surprising turn of events, the far-right Rassemblement National (RN) has made significant gains in the Aude region of France.

Christophe Barthès, the RN incumbent, secured a decisive victory with 61.44% of the votes in the 1st constituency.

His opponent, Philippe Poutou of the New Anticapitalist Party (NPA), managed only 38.56% despite being backed by the New Popular Front.

Poutou, known for his three presidential runs, faced criticism for being 'parachuted' into the constituency from his home in Gironde.

The RN's success extended beyond this race, with their candidates leading in all three of Aude's constituencies after the second round of voting.

This outcome signals a growing influence of far-right politics in the region.