France is conducting the first round of an early parliamentary election on Sunday, which could result in the nation’s first far-right government since the Nazi occupation during World War II.
President Emmanuel Macron, who is currently very unpopular, dissolved the parliament in a significant gamble that could lead to the far-right taking control for the first time since World War II.
The election will occur in two rounds to decide the prime minister and the party that will control the lower house of France’s parliament.
Voters across mainland France began casting their ballots on Sunday in this exceptional election that could see nationalist, far-right parties gaining control for the first time since the Nazi era.
The election’s outcome, expected on July 7, could affect European financial markets, Western support for Ukraine, and the management of France’s nuclear arsenal and global military forces.
Many voters are discontented with inflation, economic issues, and President Macron’s leadership, which they perceive as arrogant and disconnected.
Marine Le Pen’s anti-immigration National Rally party has capitalized on this discontent, especially through social media, and led all pre-election polls.
The left-wing coalition, the New Popular Front, also challenges Macron’s pro-business and centrist alliance, Together for the Republic.
There are 49.5 million registered voters who will select 577 National Assembly members in this two-round voting process.
Voting began early in France’s overseas territories, with mainland polling stations opening at 8 a.m. (0600 GMT) Sunday. Initial polling projections are expected at 8 p.m. (1800 GMT) when the final polling stations close, and early results will follow later Sunday night.
The election coincides with the start of the summer vacation, leading to a significant increase in absentee ballot requests compared to the 2022 elections.
Voters at a Paris polling station on Sunday were concerned with issues like immigration, inflation, and the rising cost of living as the country has become more polarized between far-right and far-left factions, with Macron in the political center.
“People don’t like what has been happening,” said Cynthia Justine, a voter in Paris. “People feel they’ve lost a lot in recent years. People are angry. I am angry.”
She emphasized the importance of voting, particularly as a Black woman, citing the stakes of the election. Pierre Leclaer, a retiree, voted to avoid “the worst,” referring to a potential far-right government.
Macron called the early election after his party’s defeat in the European Parliament election by the National Rally. This was a bold move hoping that moderate forces would prevent the far right from gaining power.
However, pre-election polls suggest the National Rally might win a parliamentary majority, which could force Macron to appoint National Rally President Jordan Bardella as prime minister under a cohabitation system.
In New Caledonia, voting closed early due to a curfew following recent unrest related to constitutional amendments proposed by Macron’s government, which Kanaks feared would further marginalize them.
Voters in other overseas territories and embassies also cast their ballots on Saturday. Although Macron has stated he will not step down before his term ends in 2027, cohabitation would weaken his position domestically and internationally.
The first round’s results will provide a snapshot of voter sentiment, but the final National Assembly makeup remains uncertain due to the complex voting system and potential party alliances between rounds.
The National Rally’s Jordan Bardella, lacking governing experience, plans to stop Macron from supplying long-range weapons to Ukraine. His party also questions birthright citizenship and aims to restrict the rights of dual nationality citizens, raising concerns about fundamental human rights and democratic ideals.
Meanwhile, the National Rally and the left-wing coalition’s promises of substantial public spending have unsettled markets and sparked concerns about France’s heavy debt.
