The French legislative elections have seen a remarkable increase in voter turnout, with 25.09% of the census participating at midday (10:00 GMT). This is the highest figure in several decades, according to the Ministry of the Interior. In comparison, two years ago only 18.43% had voted by that time, and in 2017 it was 19.24%, as per Interior figures. The most recent election with a similar turnout at the same time was the first round in 1997, with a turnout of 22.74%.
The increased interest among the French population has led to a possible turnout of around 64-66% in these elections. Election day is currently proceeding normally, and most of the main political leaders have already cast their votes. Among them were Manuel Bombard of The Insoumise France (LFI), Jordan Bardella of the National Group (RN), former socialist president Françoise Hollande, former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe, conservative leader Eric Ciotti, and RN leader Marine Le Pen.
President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte also cast their votes together in a small coastal town called The Touquet. Macron and his wife have been living there since 2001 and voted at a table located in the Congress Palace while neighbors and curious onlookers watched from nearby. As usual in French elections, none of the candidates made statements to the press. The high voter turnout and participation of key political figures indicate the importance of these elections for France’s future direction.
