Sunday’s vote will determine the balance of power for Macron’s second term, identifying his ability to pursue a domestic policy such as raising the retirement age and reviewing state benefits. Macron, who was re-elected president in April against the far-right Marin Le Pen, needs a majority in his lower house in parliament to have a free hand in his proposals for tax cuts and changes to the welfare system. Pollsters could not predict whether Macron would retain a majority in a potentially low turnout. All polling companies predict that Macron’s centrist alliance, the Ensemble, will be the largest group in parliament, but could fall short of the 289 seats required for a majority. Final polls this week showed he would win between 255 and 305 seats in the 577-seat parliament. A historic left-wing alliance led by hardline left-wing Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s La France Insoumise, or France Unbowed, with the Socialists and Greens, is hoping for a huge increase in seats to lower Macron’s center-back. The coalition, known as the Nupes, or New People’s Ecological and Social Union, is projected to become the largest opposition force. Polls suggest he could win between 140 and 200 seats. The competition has become increasingly bitter in the last week of the campaign, with both sides accusing each other of wreaking havoc in France. Macron’s senior ally, Christophe Castagner, who is struggling to hold his ground, has accused Melanson of wanting a “Soviet revolution” and other ministers have called the left dangerous anarchists and populists who have threatened France’s position in Europe. The left accused Macron of wanting to dismantle France’s welfare state. Subscribe to the First Edition, our free daily newsletter – every morning at 7 p.m. BST The far-right Le Pen National Rally party had called on its voters to come out and oppose Macron. The far right is projected to significantly increase its presence in parliament and win from 20 to 45 seats. Several ministers are vying for seats in parliament and will have to resign if they lose, including Environment Minister Amélie de Montchalin and Europe Minister Clément Beaune. On the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, where the ballots were cast a day earlier, left-wing candidate Christian Batiste defeated government Foreign Minister for the Sea Justin Benin. According to the rules of the cabinet, he should resign from the government.
