France sees high voter turnout; Many shops barricaded amid fears of violence

The turnout in the French parliamentary elections was reported to be 26 percent by midday on Sunday, marking the highest number seen in over 40 years, according to the BBC. This unexpected increase in voter participation seems to be reversing the downward trend observed in recent years. The figure is notably higher compared to the turnout recorded during the parliamentary elections in 2022, which stood at 18.43 percent at the same time of day. Mathieu Gallard, director of research at the Ipsos polling institute, noted that this is the highest level of turnout since the 1981 parliamentary elections.

The surge in voter participation is particularly noticeable in Paris, where the turnout reached 25.48 percent, compared to 12.8 percent in 2022. This indicates the significance of these elections, where one of the two major powers of the European Union may end up with a populist right-wing government. In the first round of elections for the National Assembly of France, President Emmanuel Macron is aiming to increase his Renaissance movement’s majority in the lower house, while far-right leader Marine Le Pen is confident in her party’s ability to secure an absolute majority in parliament.

Polling stations opened at 8 am, with 49.3 million eligible voters in France. Macron had called for the snap election following significant gains made by Le Pen’s far-right National Rally in the European Parliament elections the previous month. The RN is currently ahead in pre-election polls, with the new left-wing alliance, the New People’s Front, and the centrist Renaissance following.

Candidates who secure an absolute majority in the first round will enter the Assembly, while the outcome in most constituencies will only be known after the second round on July 7. Macron’s second term as president extends until 2027, regardless of the election results, but he may face challenges if his party’s support weakens. Le Pen is seen as a formidable contender for the upcoming presidential elections.

Concerns about potential violence on election day have prompted many shop owners to barricade their businesses across France. The high turnout and competitive race between Macron’s Renaissance movement and Le Pen’s RN have set the stage for a significant political shift in the country.