French election issues

France is racing toward snap National Assembly elections where the far-right National Rally and the united left New Popular Front are polling ahead of President Macron’s Renaissance
              

Emmanuel Macron: If far-right wins majority in National Assembly, President Macron will have to enter into “cohabitation”

Jordan Bardella: Macron’s far-right rival and potential future prime minister has backtracked on pledge to quit NATO

Marine Le Pen: National Rally figurehead sees her chance for power in presidential poll in 2027, when Macron’s term ends
   

Jun 12: Éric Ciotti, leader of centre-right Les Républicains, sacked after agreeing alliance with far-right National Rally

Jun 13: New Popular Front formed by four left-wing forces – Greens, Socialists, Communists and hard-left firebrand Jean-Luc Mélenchon (right) and his France Unbowed – to go head-to-head with National Rally
          
Jun 30: France goes to polls, with run-offs on Jul 7                                                  

First round: Eliminates all candidates who fail to make 12.5% of vote in each of 577 constituencies

Second round: Run-offs fought between two, three or sometimes four candidates
          

Jun 17: IFOP poll on first round released

National Rally   	33%	4% Les Républicains 37%
New Popular Front 	28%
Ensemble*		18%


*Ensemble: Centrist coalition of Macron’s Renaissance party, MoDem, Horizons and UD 


Sources: Associated Press, IFOP, Politico, Reuters 
Pictures: Getty Images 
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