Voters in mainland France are taking part in the initial round of special parliamentary elections that could potentially lead to nationalist parties taking control of the government.
The results of these elections, scheduled to conclude on July 7, could have significant implications for European financial markets, Western support for Ukraine, and the management of France’s nuclear arsenal and global military presence.
Many French voters are expressing frustration over issues such as inflation, economic concerns, and President Emmanuel Macron’s leadership, which they perceive as arrogant and disconnected from their daily lives. Marine Le Pen’s nationalist National Rally party has been leading in pre-election opinion polls.
Another contender in the form of the New Popular Front, a left-wing coalition, is challenging Macron’s pro-business stance and his centrist alliance Together for the Republic.
A total of 49.5 million registered voters will elect 577 members of the National Assembly, France’s influential lower house of parliament, over the course of the two-round voting process.
As of midday during the first round, voter turnout stood at 25.9 percent, higher than during the legislative elections in 2022 at the same time of day. Two years ago, turnout was at 18.43 percent by midday.
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President Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, cast their votes at a polling station in Le Touquet, a small town in northern France. Earlier, Marine Le Pen voted in her party’s stronghold in northern France.
These elections are taking place during the traditional first week of summer vacation in France, with absentee ballot requests significantly higher than in the 2022 elections.
Following a campaign marked by increased hate speech, voting commenced early in France’s overseas territories, and polling stations opened across mainland France at 8 a.m. (0600 GMT) on Sunday. Initial polling projections are anticipated at 8 p.m. (1800 GMT) when the final polling stations close, with early official results expected later on Sunday night.
At a polling station in Paris, voters expressed concerns ranging from immigration to inflation and the rising cost of living.
“People are unhappy with the current situation,” said Cynthia Justine, a 44-year-old voter. “People feel like they have lost a lot in recent years. People are frustrated. I am frustrated.”
She emphasized the importance of people expressing their frustrations with those in power and casting their votes in response to “the increased hate speech.”
President Macron called for early elections following his party’s defeat in the European Parliament election by the National Rally earlier in June.
Pre-election polls indicate growing support for the National Rally, raising the possibility of them securing a parliamentary majority. In such a scenario, Macron may be expected to appoint the 28-year-old National Rally President Jordan Bardella as prime minister in a system of “cohabitation,” which could weaken him domestically and internationally.
While Macron has stated that he will not resign before the end of his term in 2027, a cohabitation arrangement could diminish his power both at home and on the global stage.
The results of the first round will provide insight into overall voter sentiment, although they may not accurately reflect the composition of the next National Assembly. Predictions are challenging due to the complex voting system and the possibility of parties forming alliances or withdrawing from some constituencies between the two rounds.
Bardella, despite lacking governing experience, has expressed intentions to use the prime minister’s powers to halt Macron’s supply of long-range weapons to Ukraine for its conflict with Russia. The National Rally has historical connections to Russia.
The party has also raised concerns about citizenship rights for individuals born in France and aims to limit the rights of French citizens with dual nationality.
Furthermore, the significant spending promises made by the National Rally and the left-wing coalition have raised concerns about France’s substantial debt, which has already been criticized by EU authorities.
In the troubled French Pacific territory of New Caledonia, polls closed earlier due to a curfew imposed by local authorities until July 8. The territory experienced violence in May following attempts by Macron’s government to amend the French Constitution and alter voting lists, which Indigenous Kanaks feared would further marginalize them as they seek independence from France.
Voters in other French overseas territories, including Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, Saint-Barthélemy, Saint-Martin, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Guyana, French Polynesia, as well as those voting in offices set up by embassies and consular posts across the Americas, cast their votes on Saturday.
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