Participation in the first round of the French legislative elections has reached 25.09 percent of the census at midday, which is the highest figure in several decades, according to the Ministry of the Interior. Two years ago, only 18.43% of the electorate had voted by that time, and in 2017, the number was 19.24%. The last election with a similar turnout at the same time was the first round in 1997, with a turnout of 22.74%. Current voting intention polls suggest that participation could reach 64-66% due to the increased interest among French citizens.
Election day is progressing normally, and most of the main political leaders have already cast their votes. Leaders from various parties, including leftist, far-right, and conservative factions, have participated in the voting process. Notable figures such as the current Prime Minister, former Socialist President Françoise Hollande, former Prime Minister Édourd Philippe, and the leader of the far-right National Group, Marine Le Pen, have all voted in their respective districts.
President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte were among the latecomers to vote, casting their ballots in the coastal town of The Touquet. While a significant number of neighbors and onlookers observed, none of the candidates made statements to the press, as is customary in French elections. Overall, the turnout for the first round of the 2022 legislative elections has seen a significant increase compared to previous years, indicating a strong interest in the democratic process among the French population.