First Stage of Parliamentary Elections in France

French voters will head to the polls on June 11 to participate in the first stage of parliamentary elections, shortly after the country's presidential elections. This year is significant for Europe with several key elections. The two-round presidential election in France concluded on May 7 with the victory of Emmanuel Macron, the centrist candidate, against Marine Le Pen, the candidate of the far-right National Front party. Macron, who ran outside the two main left and right parties in France, is now working to solidify his base in the country's legislative branch with candidates from his newly formed party, 'La République En Marche!'. Polls indicate that Macron's allies could secure at least 30% of the votes in the first round. Meanwhile, the right-wing Republicans and their allies are estimated to obtain around 20%, and the far-right supporters of Le Pen are projected to receive 17% of the votes. Monir Mahjoubi, a member of Macron's cabinet, told Reuters, 'We are seeking to achieve a significant majority so that we can take necessary actions and facilitate the transition in France over the next five years.' Over 7,880 candidates are competing in the elections for the 'National Assembly', the lower house of the French Parliament, which has a total of 577 seats, currently held by the coalition of 'Socialists, Ecologists, and Republicans' centered around the French left party. If candidates fail to secure more than 50% of the votes in the first round, the top two candidates will advance to the second round. Polls suggest that few candidates will manage to surpass the 50% threshold in the first round. The French Parliament also includes the 'Senate', which has 348 seats. Voting for the parliamentary elections will continue until 6 PM, and in major cities until 8 PM. This election comes shortly after the general elections in the UK, where Theresa May's Conservative Party failed to secure a majority contrary to initial expectations. Ms. May, the Prime Minister of the UK, is currently trying to form a new coalition government. Macron has supported May's efforts to form a new government. In two months, Germany will also hold federal elections, which will effectively be a vote on whether Angela Merkel will continue her chancellorship or if a new government will come to power.