More than 6,000 candidates, ranging in age from 18 to 92, are vying for 577 seats in the National Assembly in the first round of elections. Those who get the most votes will advance to the decisive second round on June 19th. Following Macron’s re-election in May, his center-right coalition is seeking an overwhelming majority that will allow him to deliver on his campaign promises, which include tax cuts and raising the retirement age from 62 to 65. Recent polls suggest, however, that Macron and his allies may have trouble winning more than half of the seats in parliament. A government with a large but not absolute majority could still govern, but only through negotiations with lawmakers. The main opposition force seems to be a newly formed coalition of leftists, Greens and communists led by hardline leftist Jean-Luc Mélenchon. Melanson urged voters to give his coalition a majority, forcing Macron to be named prime minister, which would lead to a situation called “cohabitation.” The left-wing platform includes a significant increase in the minimum wage, a reduction in the retirement age to 60 and a lock in energy prices. Although Mélenchon’s coalition could win more than 200 seats, current predictions give the left little chance of winning a majority. Macron and his allies are expected to win 260 to 320 seats, according to the latest polls. The two-round voting system is complex and is not commensurate with the nationwide support of one party. Legislators are elected by district. Parliamentary elections are traditionally a difficult race for candidates from the French far right, as opponents tend to step aside in the second round to improve the chances of another contender. Led by Marin Le Pen, who lost to Macron in the presidential election, the National Rally hopes to do better than it did five years ago, when it won eight seats. With at least 15 seats, the far right could form a parliamentary group and gain more power in the assembly. Le Pen herself is running for re-election in her stronghold, Henin-Beaumont, in northern France. The results may also be affected by an expected record low voter turnout. Pollsters say less than half of France’s 48.7 million voters are expected to vote. Polling stations opened at 8 a.m. (06:00 GMT, 2 p.m. EDT) and will close at 6 p.m. (16:00 GMT, 12 pm) in most of France, except for some that close two hours later in major cities. The National Assembly has the last word on the Senate when it comes to voting on laws.
