France French parliamentary election: Second round starts overseas
The second and decisive round of the early parliamentary elections in France has begun overseas. The polling stations opened at midday German time (8.00 a.m. local time) on the small French archipelago of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon off the east coast of Canada, as reported by the local public broadcaster La 1ère Saint-Pierre et Miquelon.
06.07.2024, 16:02
SDA
The majority of French citizens can vote on Sunday. However, due to the time difference, some overseas territories will already vote on Saturday. The focus is on the question of whether Marine Le Pen's right-wing nationalists will come into government. This would be a turning point in the country's history and would also have a major impact on European politics.
Following the defeat of his centrist forces and the resounding victory of Le Pen's Rassemblement National in the European elections, France's head of state Emmanuel Macron surprisingly dissolved the National Assembly and announced a new parliamentary election. His own position is not at stake.
Le Pen's party was ahead in the first round of voting
However, as in the European elections, the right-wing nationalists were ahead in the first round of voting, followed by the new left-wing alliance and Macron's centrist camp in third place. According to the latest polls, however, the right-wing nationalists could well miss out on an absolute majority.
The National Assembly is one of two French chambers of parliament. It is involved in legislation and can topple the government with a vote of no confidence.
