Record Turnout in France’s Legislative Elections Marks a 20% Increase Since 1986, Despite Macron’s Efforts to Highlight the Crucial Choice Facing Voters

On the first day of voting for France’s legislative elections, a record turnout was recorded, marking a 20% increase compared to the same time period in 2022. This turnout was the highest since 1986, according to Elabe polling institute. The French Interior Ministry reported that more than 2.7 million proxies had been requested since June 10, four times more than two years ago. Early results showed leading candidates in Guadeloupe, Guyana, and Polynesia.

Despite Macron’s efforts to highlight the crucial choice facing voters, there were indications that he may have underestimated the support for the far right and the left-wing coalition. The Rassemblement National led by Marine Le Pen was on track to win a majority in the National Assembly following Macron’s decision to call early elections after their victory in European Parliament elections. President Emmanuel Macron planned a government meeting for Monday to discuss strategy ahead of the second round of voting on July 7th.

Throughout the campaign, two distinct trends emerged: a sense of hope among left-wing supporters and Rassemblement National followers that change was possible and a sense of fear and negativity fueled by hate speech and intolerance from both parties. Despite these concerns about hate speech and intolerance during the campaign period, many voters turned out with hope for change in their hearts.