Summary of the day
France was in campaign mode ahead of the second round of a snap legislative election on Sunday.
The issue of three-way races dominated conversations during the day, as many politicians continued to call for a republican front to defeat the far right.
Some candidates debated whether – and who – should withdraw from individual races.
Eligible candidates had until 6pm local time to decide whether they will run in the second round.
Le Monde estimated that 218 candidates – including 130 from the left and 82 from the Macron camp – withdrew from races by the deadline.
This left an estimated 91 three-way races and 2 four-way races on Sunday.
Earlier in the day, the far right National Rally’s Marine Le Pen said the party would only go into government if it can act, but also said that if it is a bit short, it would try to make up the majority with extra MPs, for example from the right.
Olivier Faure, first secretary of the Socialist party, said that next Sunday will be a decisive day for French democracy.
The Paris mayor, Anne Hidalgo, sought to reassure visitors that the festive mood at the Olympics will not be dampened by Le Pen’s electoral successes.
218 candidates withdraw by deadline
We are now past the 6pm deadline to register for the second round.
As of 5:50 p.m., Le Monde counted 218 withdrawals.
These included 130 from the left and 82 from the Macron camp and the centre.
