The first round of parliamentary elections began in France on Sunday. French people are called upon to nominate the 577 members of the National Assembly. A historically low voter turnout is expected.
The first round of parliamentary elections has begun in France. The polling stations opened at 8 a.m. on Sunday. Around 48.7 million registered voters can cast their vote. Shortly after President Emmanuel Macron was re-elected for a second term, the French are electing a new parliament. The 577 seats of the National Assembly are voted on.
For the center politician Macron, it is about securing a parliamentary majority again. Otherwise he would be forced to appoint a government with politicians and a prime minister from other camps. In this case, the prime minister would have a much more important position in the state.
In the most recent polls, the previous government majority was ahead in the distribution of seats, but could lose the absolute majority. That would mean a defeat for President Emmanuel Macron, who was confirmed in office in April. He is expected to reshuffle the cabinet again soon after the election.
In particular, the new left-wing alliance of the Left Party, Socialists, Greens and Communists, led by left-wing politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon, is hoping for significantly more seats in parliament. Polls recently saw the left-wing alliance on the upswing.
Voter turnout was already at a low point, with surveys showing that fewer than every second person wanted to vote. In some French overseas territories, the election had already started on Saturday due to the time difference. The second round of parliamentary elections is a week from Sunday.
