While polls suggest Macron’s camp will receive the largest number of seats, it remains unclear whether it will reach the 289 threshold required for an absolute majority in the National Assembly. He opposes a coalition of Socialists and Greens, known as the New Ecological and Social Popular Union (NUPES) led by Jean-Luc Melenchon, 70. The number of seats that Macron’s side is expected to take is 255 and more than 300. Although no poll has predicted a NUPES majority, it could become the largest opposition, possibly exceeding the 200 mark. Complicating matters further, the far right is expected to achieve its greatest parliamentary success in decades. Macron, who wants to implement tax cuts, raise the retirement age from 62 to 65 and increase membership in the European Union, could plunge into a series of protracted domestic policy negotiations at a time when the war in Ukraine has focused on foreign concerns. . As in the United Kingdom, however, rising inflation is causing unrest and political instability. “In these difficult times, the choice you will make this Sunday is more crucial than ever,” Mr Macron said on Tuesday before visiting Kyiv. “Nothing could be worse than adding French disorder to world disorder.” If his camp lags behind the overall majority, it could cause political paralysis and repeat parliamentary elections. Image: Left-wing leader Jean-Luc Melenchon poses for a selfie on Friday It would also be unusual – after the presidential election, French voters generally gave them a comfortable parliamentary majority a few weeks later, with François Mitterrand a rare exception in 1988. If Macron’s coalition loses an overall majority with few seats, he may be tempted to chase center-right or Conservative lawmakers, party officials said. If it loses by a wide margin, it could seek an alliance with the Conservatives or run a minority government that will have to negotiate laws on a case-by-case basis. Voting started at 8 am local time (0700 BST), with initial forecasts expected at 20:00 (1900 BST).
