France is gearing up for its snap parliamentary election, with polls set to open on Sunday for the first round of voting. This election could potentially reshape the political landscape of the country and have significant implications for President Emmanuel Macron's leadership.
The election comes on the heels of Macron's Renaissance party suffering a defeat at the hands of the far-right National Rally in the recent European Parliament elections. In response to this setback, Macron made the bold decision to call for a snap election, which is the first of its kind in France since 1997.
The outcome of the election could lead to a scenario where Macron's centrist alliance is ousted, forcing him to navigate an uneasy partnership with the far right for the remainder of his term. Macron has vowed to stay in office until the next presidential election in 2027, regardless of the election results.
The National Assembly, which will be elected through locally contested races, plays a crucial role in passing domestic legislation, while the president shapes the country's foreign and defense policies. The alignment between the president and the majority in parliament is essential for the smooth functioning of the government, as seen in the concept of 'cohabitation' when different parties hold these positions.
Three main blocs are vying for support in the election: the far-right alliance led by the National Rally, the left-wing New Popular Front coalition, and Macron's centrist Ensemble. Each bloc is led by prominent figures who are seeking to rally voters around their respective platforms.
The election process involves two rounds of voting, with the first round eliminating weaker candidates and the second round determining the final winners. Candidates must secure a certain percentage of votes to advance to the second round, where the competition intensifies.
As France braces for a potentially transformative election, the results are eagerly awaited to see how the political landscape of the country will evolve in the coming years.
Polls are set to close at 8 p.m. local time on Sunday, with the full results expected to be announced early Monday.
