French parliamentary elections: Polls are open amid a rise for the united left

• More than 6,000 candidates are running for 577 seats in the National Assembly.
• Those who receive the most votes will advance to the decisive second round on June 19.
• President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist coalition is seeking an absolute majority that would enable it to implement his campaign promises.

There are almost 6,000 candidates standing for 577 seats in the National Assembly, ranging in age from 18 to 92. In a legislative election on Sunday, French voters will pick legislators as President Emmanuel Macron strives to maintain his majority; despite a mounting threat from a leftist alliance. In the first round of the election, more than 6,000 candidates, ranging in age from 18 to 92; are vying for 577 seats in the National Assembly. The contestants with the highest votes will progress to the second round, which will take place on June 19.

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Following Macron’s re-election in May, his centrist alliance is seeking an absolute majority; so that it can carry out his campaign pledges such as tax cuts; and increasing the retirement age from 62 to 65. However, according to recent surveys, Macron and his supporters may struggle to win over half of the legislative seats. A government with a big but not absolute majority might still rule, but only via negotiations with legislators.

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