Voters in France headed to the polls on Sunday (Jun 30) to cast their ballots in the first round of the high-stakes snap parliamentary elections which could usher in the country’s first far-right government since World War Two.

<h2>About the snap&nbsp;polls</h2>

The polling stations across mainland France&nbsp;opened at 8:00 am (local time) and will close 12 hours later. The polls will be closed earlier in small towns and later in the bigger cities.&nbsp;

Subsequently, projections which usually predict the result with a degree of accuracy, will be released. However, France’s electoral system can make it difficult to predict the distribution of seats that each party may secure in the 577-seat National Assembly, parliament’s lower house.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-snap-polls-whats-at-stake-and-what-to-expect-736400/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Voters in France’s overseas territories which span across the world cast their ballots earlier in the weekend. The final results will not be known until the end of voting on July 7.&nbsp;

<h2>High-stakes election</h2>

Earlier this month, French President Emmanuel Macron stunned the nation when he called for a snap poll after his centrist alliance lost against Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally (RN) in the European elections.&nbsp;

Le Pen’s eurosceptic, anti-immigrant party has been operating on the sidelines for years but now has a good chance of winning.&nbsp;

Three major political blocs are competing in this election – Le Pen’s RN, Macron’s centrist alliance, and the New Popular Front coalition that includes centre-left, greens and hard-left parties.&nbsp;

Opinion polls show that RN has a chance of winning an absolute majority or at least 289 out of the 577 seats in the National Assembly.&nbsp;

A report by AFP citing the final opinion poll ahead of the election gave RN between 35 per cent and 37 per cent of the vote, followed by 27.5-29 per cent for the recently formed New Popular Front alliance and 20-21 per cent for Macron’s party.&nbsp;

France also witnessed massive demonstrations&nbsp;against both the far right and the French president after the announcement of the snap polls. A high turnout is expected in this election.

The outcome of this election is important as despite Macron’s presidency which will continue until 2027, the National Assembly is the more powerful of France’s two houses of parliament.&nbsp;

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Therefore, if RN does win an absolute majority, it would not only weaken Macron’s presidency but also French diplomacy could be headed for an unprecedented period of turbulence.&nbsp;

“We are going to win an absolute majority,” said Le Pen in an interview last week, and predicted that her protégé, 28-year-old Jordan Bardella would be prime minister.

The RN has sought to spend more on the French economy and reduce immigration. Additionally, Bardella has already indicated he would challenge Macron on global issues.

The far-right party’s win could also bring uncertainty to France’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine war given Le Pen’s history of pro-Russian sentiment. However, she said that they would back Kyiv against Russian invaders.&nbsp;

The RN also has historic ties to racism and&nbsp;antisemitism and is criticised for its hostility toward France’s Muslim community. The critics say that the far-right party’s courting of Jews is just a cover to deny accusations of racism while it is constantly stigmatising Muslims and foreigners. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Voters in France headed to the polls on Sunday (Jun 30) to cast their ballots in the first round of the high-stakes snap parliamentary elections which could usher in the country’s first far-right government since World War Two.

Voters in France headed to the polls on Sunday (Jun 30) to cast their ballots in the first round of the high-stakes snap parliamentary elections which could usher in the country’s first far-right government since World War Two. About the snap polls The polling stations across mainland France opened at 8:00 am (local time) and will close 12 hours later. The polls will be closed earlier in small towns and later in the bigger cities. Subsequently, projections which usually predict the result with a degree of accuracy, will be released. However, France’s electoral system can make it difficult to predict the distribution of seats that each party may secure in the 577-seat National Assembly, parliament’s lower house. Voters in France’s overseas territories which span across the world cast their ballots earlier in the weekend. The final results will not be known until the end of voting on July 7. High-stakes election Earlier this month, French President Emmanuel Macron stunned the nation when he called for a snap poll after his centrist alliance lost against Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally (RN) in the European elections. Le Pen’s eurosceptic, anti-immigrant party has been operating on the sidelines for years but now has a good chance of winning. Three major political blocs are competing in this election – Le Pen’s RN, Macron’s centrist alliance, and the New Popular Front coalition that includes centre-left, greens and hard-left parties. Opinion polls show that RN has a chance of winning an absolute majority or at least 289 out of the 577 seats in the National Assembly. A report by AFP citing the final opinion poll ahead of the election gave RN between 35 per cent and 37 per cent of the vote, followed by 27.5-29 per cent for the recently formed New Popular Front alliance and 20-21 per cent for Macron’s party. France also witnessed massive demonstrations against both the far right and the French president after the announcement of the snap polls. A high turnout is expected in this election. The outcome of this election is important as despite Macron’s presidency which will continue until 2027, the National Assembly is the more powerful of France’s two houses of parliament. Also Read | Nigeria: At least 18 killed after string of suspected suicide bomb attacks Therefore, if RN does win an absolute majority, it would not only weaken Macron’s presidency but also French diplomacy could be headed for an unprecedented period of turbulence. “We are going to win an absolute majority,” said Le Pen in an interview last week, and predicted that her protégé, 28-year-old Jordan Bardella would be prime minister. The RN has sought to spend more on the French economy and reduce immigration. Additionally, Bardella has already indicated he would challenge Macron on global issues. The far-right party’s win could also bring uncertainty to France’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine war given Le Pen’s history of pro-Russian sentiment. However, she said that they would back Kyiv against Russian invaders. The RN also has historic ties to racism and antisemitism and is criticised for its hostility toward France’s Muslim community. The critics say that the far-right party’s courting of Jews is just a cover to deny accusations of racism while it is constantly stigmatising Muslims and foreigners. (With inputs from agencies)

France elections: Voters cast ballots in snap polls as far right seeks historic win

After increasing for many decades, there has been a trend of decreasing voter turnout in most established democracies since the 1980s. In general, low turnout is attributed to multiple reasons but ultimately affecting the results. Let's have a look at what happened in France on election day.

What factors lead to a low voter turnout in France?

On Sunday France will vote for the leader that'll take its helm for the next five years. As we all know, the top two candidates are still the far-right Marine Le Pen and the centrist incumbent President Emmanuel Macron.

If opinion polls are to be believed Macron continues to hold a solid 10 point lead over his top contender, a lead that is far lacking as compared to the 2017 elections that saw the same two candidates competing, with the incumbent carrying the day with 66 per cent to 34 per cent.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-presidential-elections-2022-runoff-voting-how-does-the-polling-system-work-472305" hreflang="en">French presidential elections 2022 |&nbsp;Runoff voting: How does the polling system work?</a>

Voting has already started, for three million voters in French overseas territories and for the citizens in mainland France it will begin at 0600 GMT, closing 12 hours later.

It is a highly anticipated election, that will go on to showcase if Marine Le Pen has been successful in softening her image. As per an AFP report, while Macron still remains a favourite, if Le Pen were to secure a win, shockwaves will be felt across Europe. Left-leaning EU leaders like the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have already pleaded with French citizens to choose Macron over Le Pen.

Watch |&nbsp;French Presidential election 2022: Who will be the next French President?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/french-presidential-election-2022-who-will-be-the-next-french-president-473289/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Right up till the end the contenders continued to take jibes at each other, with Macron reminding people of his competition's racism, a charge she denies and Le Pen taking aim at her rival's plan to push back the retirement age to 65 from 62.

Even as the far-right candidate denies allegations of racism, people remain worried.&nbsp;

Speaking to Reuters, Ghislaine Madalie, a hairdresser in Auxerre, in central France, said she would vote for Emmanuel Macron. She spoke of her many clients' plans to vote for Le Pen because of their dislike of Macron, something she says is nothing short of disastrous.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-presidential-election-macrons-lead-over-le-pen-widens-in-polls-472246" hreflang="en">French presidential election: Macron's lead over Le Pen widens in polls</a>

"I find that disastrous because she is racist," Madalie, 36, whose family has roots in Morocco said of Le Pen. "I am anxious, for me and for my children."

The stakes are massive: if Le Pen is elected, she will be the first far-right leader in contemporary French history, as well as the first female president. Macron could become the first French president in two decades to be re-elected.

(With inputs from agencies)

On Sunday France will vote for the leader that'll take its helm for the next five years. As we all know, the top two candidates are still the far-right Marine Le Pen and the centrist incumbent President Emmanuel Macron.

On Sunday France will vote for the leader that'll take its helm for the next five years. As we all know, the top two candidates are still the far-right Marine Le Pen and the centrist incumbent President Emmanuel Macron. If opinion polls are to be believed Macron continues to hold a solid 10 point lead over his top contender, a lead that is far lacking as compared to the 2017 elections that saw the same two candidates competing, with the incumbent carrying the day with 66 per cent to 34 per cent. Also read | French presidential elections 2022 | Runoff voting: How does the polling system work? Voting has already started, for three million voters in French overseas territories and for the citizens in mainland France it will begin at 0600 GMT, closing 12 hours later. It is a highly anticipated election, that will go on to showcase if Marine Le Pen has been successful in softening her image. As per an AFP report, while Macron still remains a favourite, if Le Pen were to secure a win, shockwaves will be felt across Europe. Left-leaning EU leaders like the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have already pleaded with French citizens to choose Macron over Le Pen. Watch | French Presidential election 2022: Who will be the next French President? Right up till the end the contenders continued to take jibes at each other, with Macron reminding people of his competition's racism, a charge she denies and Le Pen taking aim at her rival's plan to push back the retirement age to 65 from 62. Even as the far-right candidate denies allegations of racism, people remain worried. Speaking to Reuters, Ghislaine Madalie, a hairdresser in Auxerre, in central France, said she would vote for Emmanuel Macron. She spoke of her many clients' plans to vote for Le Pen because of their dislike of Macron, something she says is nothing short of disastrous. Also read | French presidential election: Macron's lead over Le Pen widens in polls "I find that disastrous because she is racist," Madalie, 36, whose family has roots in Morocco said of Le Pen. "I am anxious, for me and for my children." The stakes are massive: if Le Pen is elected, she will be the first far-right leader in contemporary French history, as well as the first female president. Macron could become the first French president in two decades to be re-elected. (With inputs from agencies)

Le Pen vs Macron: France is gearing up for the last fight, with voting taking place today

French presidential run-off election: What you should know

France`s incumbent leader Emmanuel Macron and far-right challenger Marine Le Pen will qualify for an April 24 presidential election runoff, initial projections by four pollsters showed after voting closed on Sunday.

Macron led Le Pen in the first round, the separate estimates by Ifop, OpinionWay, Elabe and Ipsos showed. Macron won 28.1-29.5% of votes while Le Pen won 23.3-24.4% of voter support, they projected.

That outcome would set up a duel between an economic liberal with a globalist outlook in Macron and a deeply eurosceptic economic nationalist who, until the Ukraine war, was an open admirer of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Not for two decades has a French president won a second term.

Barely a month ago, Macron appeared near certain to reverse that trend, riding high in polls thanks to strong economic growth, a fragmented opposition and his statesman role in trying to avert war on Europe`s eastern flank.

But he has paid the price for late entry into the campaign during which he eschewed market walkabouts in provincial France in favour of a single big rally outside Paris. A plan to make people work longer has also proved unpopular.

By contrast, Le Pen has for months toured towns and villages across France, focusing on cost-of-living issues that trouble millions and tapping into deep-seated anger towards the distant political elite.

A more than 10 point lead Macron had enjoyed as late as mid-March evaporated and voter surveys ahead of the first round showed his margin of victory in an eventual runoff whittled down to within the margin of error.

"I`m scared of the political extremes," said pensioner Therese Eychenne, 89, after voting for Macron in Paris. "I don`t know what would become of France."

Investor nerves

Investors took note of Le Pen`s surge. The yield on French 5- and 10-year government bonds hit multi-year highs last week.

A Le Pen victory on April 24 would constitute a similar jolt to the establishment as Britain`s Brexit vote to leave the European Union (EU) or Donald Trump`s 2017 entry into the White House.

France, the EU`s second largest economy, would lurch from being a driving force for European integration to being led by a euro-sceptic who is also suspicious of the NATO military alliance.

While Le Pen has ditched past ambitions for a "Frexit" or to haul France out of the euro zone`s single currency, she envisages the EU as a mere alliance of sovereign states.

Who next holds the Elysee Palace will depend on how those who backed Macron and Le Pen`s rivals cast their ballots.

In past elections in 2002 and 2017, voters on the left and right have united to block the far-right from power.

However, surveys suggest that the so-called "republicain front" has crumbled, with many left-wing voters saying they are loathe to endorse a leader they deride as arrogant and a "president of the rich."

"We want change, so why not give her a chance (in round two)?" technician Alex Talcone said in the Paris suburb of Bobigny after voting for hard-left candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon.

France`s incumbent leader Emmanuel Macron and far-right challenger Marine Le Pen will qualify for an April 24 presidential election runoff, initial projections by four pollsters showed after voting closed on Sunday.

France`s incumbent leader Emmanuel Macron and far-right challenger Marine Le Pen will qualify for an April 24 presidential election runoff, initial projections by four pollsters showed after voting closed on Sunday. Macron led Le Pen in the first round, the separate estimates by Ifop, OpinionWay, Elabe and Ipsos showed. Macron won 28.1-29.5% of votes while Le Pen won 23.3-24.4% of voter support, they projected. That outcome would set up a duel between an economic liberal with a globalist outlook in Macron and a deeply eurosceptic economic nationalist who, until the Ukraine war, was an open admirer of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Not for two decades has a French president won a second term. Barely a month ago, Macron appeared near certain to reverse that trend, riding high in polls thanks to strong economic growth, a fragmented opposition and his statesman role in trying to avert war on Europe`s eastern flank. But he has paid the price for late entry into the campaign during which he eschewed market walkabouts in provincial France in favour of a single big rally outside Paris. A plan to make people work longer has also proved unpopular. By contrast, Le Pen has for months toured towns and villages across France, focusing on cost-of-living issues that trouble millions and tapping into deep-seated anger towards the distant political elite. A more than 10 point lead Macron had enjoyed as late as mid-March evaporated and voter surveys ahead of the first round showed his margin of victory in an eventual runoff whittled down to within the margin of error. "I`m scared of the political extremes," said pensioner Therese Eychenne, 89, after voting for Macron in Paris. "I don`t know what would become of France." Investor nerves Investors took note of Le Pen`s surge. The yield on French 5- and 10-year government bonds hit multi-year highs last week. A Le Pen victory on April 24 would constitute a similar jolt to the establishment as Britain`s Brexit vote to leave the European Union (EU) or Donald Trump`s 2017 entry into the White House. France, the EU`s second largest economy, would lurch from being a driving force for European integration to being led by a euro-sceptic who is also suspicious of the NATO military alliance. While Le Pen has ditched past ambitions for a "Frexit" or to haul France out of the euro zone`s single currency, she envisages the EU as a mere alliance of sovereign states. Who next holds the Elysee Palace will depend on how those who backed Macron and Le Pen`s rivals cast their ballots. In past elections in 2002 and 2017, voters on the left and right have united to block the far-right from power. However, surveys suggest that the so-called "republicain front" has crumbled, with many left-wing voters saying they are loathe to endorse a leader they deride as arrogant and a "president of the rich." "We want change, so why not give her a chance (in round two)?" technician Alex Talcone said in the Paris suburb of Bobigny after voting for hard-left candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon.

Macron, Le Pen seen qualifying for French election runoff: Initial projections

Veteran French far-right leader Marine Le Pen is closing the gap on President Emmanuel Macron ahead of a possible election duel between the two of them next month, two new polls show.

Macron has long been favourite for the two-round election on April 10 and 24, with his handling of the diplomatic crisis caused by the war in Ukraine seen as boosting his chances.

But his estimated margin of victory over Le Pen is narrowing sharply as the election approaches, two polls published this week suggested.

If they faced each other in the second round, a poll by the Ifop-Fiducial group published on Monday indicated Macron would win by just 53 per cent versus 47 per cent for Le Pen, who had gained three points in a week.

A poll on Tuesday by Ipsos Sopra-Steria, meanwhile, showed Macron winning by 56 per cent to 44 per cent, again with Le Pen up by around three points in a week.

Aides to Macron sought to play down the change, with one advisor saying Tuesday that it was a simple correction after a sharp rise in support following Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24.

"We knew he wasn't going to stay so high," the advisor told AFP on condition of anonymity.

But the shift in momentum is being seized on by Le Pen and her anti-immigration National Rally party, with between a quarter and a third of voters believed to be undecided about how to cast their ballots.

"I have never been so close to victory," Le Pen told Le Parisien newspaper in an interview published Saturday.

She has placed less emphasis on her traditional themes of Islam and immigration in favour of a grassroots campaign focused on the economic problems faced by low-income families and the working classes.

Inflation fears

Macron has largely shunned the election campaign so far, but during his first public walkabout to meet voters on Monday in the eastern town of Dijon, he heard plenty of complaints about inflation and rocketing fuel prices.

"Everything is going up... put yourself in the position of a French family. It can't carry on, people will go nuts," one 46-year-old salesman told him.

Macron has also been forced to defend his government's use of costly outside consulting firms such as the US-based McKinsey following a highly critical report from the Senate this month.

The investigation found that the value of such contracts had more than doubled between 2018 and 2021, reaching more than a billion euros ($1.1 billion) last year, a record.

Macron has denied that his governments used consultants more than their predecessors, while adding that additional help was required during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic when ministries and civil servants were stretched thin.

"It's a complicated issue that will sway those who were already convinced that Macron is a 'president of the rich,' but it's not a widespread issue," political analyst Philippe Moreau Chevrolet told AFP, referring to the label given to Macron, a former investment banker, by his critics.

"It counts much less than questions around household income and spiralling inflation and even fears about food supplies," added Moreau Chevrolet, also the founder of MCBG Conseil, a PR agency specialised in political communication.

Experts emphasise that pre-election polls are a snapshot of voting intentions at the time they are conducted, and that the outcome of the election next month remains uncertain.

Veteran French far-right leader Marine Le Pen is closing the gap on President Emmanuel Macron ahead of a possible election duel between the two of them next month, two new polls show.

Veteran French far-right leader Marine Le Pen is closing the gap on President Emmanuel Macron ahead of a possible election duel between the two of them next month, two new polls show. Macron has long been favourite for the two-round election on April 10 and 24, with his handling of the diplomatic crisis caused by the war in Ukraine seen as boosting his chances. But his estimated margin of victory over Le Pen is narrowing sharply as the election approaches, two polls published this week suggested. If they faced each other in the second round, a poll by the Ifop-Fiducial group published on Monday indicated Macron would win by just 53 per cent versus 47 per cent for Le Pen, who had gained three points in a week. A poll on Tuesday by Ipsos Sopra-Steria, meanwhile, showed Macron winning by 56 per cent to 44 per cent, again with Le Pen up by around three points in a week. Aides to Macron sought to play down the change, with one advisor saying Tuesday that it was a simple correction after a sharp rise in support following Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24. "We knew he wasn't going to stay so high," the advisor told AFP on condition of anonymity. But the shift in momentum is being seized on by Le Pen and her anti-immigration National Rally party, with between a quarter and a third of voters believed to be undecided about how to cast their ballots. "I have never been so close to victory," Le Pen told Le Parisien newspaper in an interview published Saturday. She has placed less emphasis on her traditional themes of Islam and immigration in favour of a grassroots campaign focused on the economic problems faced by low-income families and the working classes. Inflation fears Macron has largely shunned the election campaign so far, but during his first public walkabout to meet voters on Monday in the eastern town of Dijon, he heard plenty of complaints about inflation and rocketing fuel prices. "Everything is going up... put yourself in the position of a French family. It can't carry on, people will go nuts," one 46-year-old salesman told him. Macron has also been forced to defend his government's use of costly outside consulting firms such as the US-based McKinsey following a highly critical report from the Senate this month. The investigation found that the value of such contracts had more than doubled between 2018 and 2021, reaching more than a billion euros ($1.1 billion) last year, a record. Macron has denied that his governments used consultants more than their predecessors, while adding that additional help was required during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic when ministries and civil servants were stretched thin. "It's a complicated issue that will sway those who were already convinced that Macron is a 'president of the rich,' but it's not a widespread issue," political analyst Philippe Moreau Chevrolet told AFP, referring to the label given to Macron, a former investment banker, by his critics. "It counts much less than questions around household income and spiralling inflation and even fears about food supplies," added Moreau Chevrolet, also the founder of MCBG Conseil, a PR agency specialised in political communication. Experts emphasise that pre-election polls are a snapshot of voting intentions at the time they are conducted, and that the outcome of the election next month remains uncertain.

French far-right leader Le Pen closing gap on Macron: Polls

French President Francois Hollande on Monday urged voters to reject far-right leader Marine Le Pen in next month&#39;s presidential runoff against pro-EU candidate Emmanuel Macron.

Macron is the clear favourite to become France&#39;s youngest-ever president after topping Sunday&#39;s first round of voting with 24.01 percent of votes, ahead of National Front (FN) leader Le Pen on 21.3 percent, according to final results.

The vote revealed a country deeply divided, with 39-year-old Macron, an advocate of open borders and free trade, leading the vote in cities and Le Pen topping the polls in rural areas that feel left behind by globalisation.

In a solemn address to voters, Hollande warned of the &quot;risk for our country&quot; of a far-right victory and said he himself would vote for Macron, who served as his economy minister for two years.

The Socialist president joined a long line of politicians urging voters to back Macron in order to thwart the anti-immigration, anti-EU Le Pen.

Le Pen seized on the flurry of endorsements for Macron from the ruling Socialists and main opposition Republicans -- both of which crashed out in the first round -- as proof he was the choice of a discredited old guard.

Visiting a market in the northern town of Rouvroy on Monday, 48-year-old Le Pen lashed out at the &quot;rotten old republican front&quot; -- the ad-hoc anti-FN coalition formed by mainstream parties whenever the party is at the gates of power.

&quot;I&#39;ve come here to start the second round campaign in the only way I know -- on the ground with the French people,&quot; she said.

She later told France 2 television: &quot;Nothing in either Mr Macron&#39;s policies or his behaviour suggests the slightest proof of love for France,&quot; and insisted, &quot;We are going to win.&quot;

Le Pen, who is also FN leader, also said she was setting party affairs to one side in order to concentrate on the campaign.

&quot;I will feel freer, I will be above partisan considerations, it&#39;s an important act,&quot; Le Pen said.

Macron received several congratulatory calls on Monday from European leaders relieved to find him in pole position.

Thanking Hollande in a tweet for his support, the former investment banker called on the French to &quot;remain true to France&#39;s values&quot; in the May 7 runoff.

He and Le Pen will take part in a TV debate on May 3.

According to two opinions that were carried out on Sunday night, Macron would beat Le Pen by 62-64 percent over 36-38 percent.

&#39;Healing wounds&#39;&nbsp;

Sunday&#39;s results were a stunning blow to France&#39;s traditional political class, with voters fleeing the ruling Socialists and conservative Republicans who have governed for the past half-century.

Both Macron and Le Pen campaigned as rebels who transcended the left-right divide.&nbsp;

Republicans candidate Francois Fillon was seen as the favourite until January when his campaign was torpedoed by allegations that he gave his British-born wife and two of his children fictitious jobs as parliamentary assistants.

In the end, Fillon trailed in third with 20.01 percent, ahead of radical left candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon on 19.58 percent.

On Monday, Fillon told the party&#39;s top brass he lacked &quot;the legitimacy&quot; to lead them into parliamentary elections in June.&nbsp;

&quot;I need to rethink my life and heal my family&#39;s wounds,&quot; he told them, according to a statement.

Fillon and fifth-placed Socialist candidate Benoit Hamon have both rallied behind Macron.&nbsp;

But &nbsp;Melenchon has pointedly avoided backing the centrist. The leaders of the Republicans squabbled Monday over whether to endorse Macron openly or simply urge supporters not to vote for Le Pen.&nbsp;

&#39;Patriots v nationalists&#39;&nbsp;

Addressing thousands of flag-waving supporters in Paris on Sunday evening, Macron said he aimed to unite &quot;patriots&quot; against &quot;the threat of nationalists&quot;.

Le Pen, who has been hoping to emulate Donald Trump&#39;s victory in the US, said the French faced a choice between &quot;runaway globalisation&quot; and a protectionist France.

Her plans to restore France&#39;s borders with its European neighbours, pull out of the eurozone and hold a referendum on leaving the EU had sown fear of another devastating blow to the bloc after Britain&#39;s vote to leave.

The euro and European stocks rose Monday, buoyed by expectations that Macron is the hot favourite for next president.

Le Pen gained over 1.2 million new voters compared with her last presidential bid in 2012, securing 7.7 million ballots, a result she hailed as &quot;historic&quot;.

But her share of the vote was far below a March poll high of 27 percent.

She follows in the footsteps of her father Jean-Marie, who made it through to the 2002 presidential run-off in what was a political earthquake for France.

Le Pen senior went on to suffer a stinging defeat when mainstream parties closed ranks to keep him out.

Sunday&#39;s first round capped a rollercoaster campaign in a demoralised France, which has been rocked by a series of terror attacks since 2015 and is struggling to shake off a deep economic malaise.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(AFP)

Far-right leader Marine Le Pen is currently topping the polls in rural areas that feel left behind by globalisation

French President Francois Hollande on Monday urged voters to reject far-right leader Marine Le Pen in next month's presidential runoff against pro-EU candidate Emmanuel Macron. Macron is the clear favourite to become France's youngest-ever president after topping Sunday's first round of voting with 24.01 percent of votes, ahead of National Front (FN) leader Le Pen on 21.3 percent, according to final results. The vote revealed a country deeply divided, with 39-year-old Macron, an advocate of open borders and free trade, leading the vote in cities and Le Pen topping the polls in rural areas that feel left behind by globalisation. In a solemn address to voters, Hollande warned of the "risk for our country" of a far-right victory and said he himself would vote for Macron, who served as his economy minister for two years. The Socialist president joined a long line of politicians urging voters to back Macron in order to thwart the anti-immigration, anti-EU Le Pen. Le Pen seized on the flurry of endorsements for Macron from the ruling Socialists and main opposition Republicans -- both of which crashed out in the first round -- as proof he was the choice of a discredited old guard. Visiting a market in the northern town of Rouvroy on Monday, 48-year-old Le Pen lashed out at the "rotten old republican front" -- the ad-hoc anti-FN coalition formed by mainstream parties whenever the party is at the gates of power. "I've come here to start the second round campaign in the only way I know -- on the ground with the French people," she said. She later told France 2 television: "Nothing in either Mr Macron's policies or his behaviour suggests the slightest proof of love for France," and insisted, "We are going to win." Le Pen, who is also FN leader, also said she was setting party affairs to one side in order to concentrate on the campaign. "I will feel freer, I will be above partisan considerations, it's an important act," Le Pen said. Macron received several congratulatory calls on Monday from European leaders relieved to find him in pole position. Thanking Hollande in a tweet for his support, the former investment banker called on the French to "remain true to France's values" in the May 7 runoff. He and Le Pen will take part in a TV debate on May 3. According to two opinions that were carried out on Sunday night, Macron would beat Le Pen by 62-64 percent over 36-38 percent. 'Healing wounds' Sunday's results were a stunning blow to France's traditional political class, with voters fleeing the ruling Socialists and conservative Republicans who have governed for the past half-century. Both Macron and Le Pen campaigned as rebels who transcended the left-right divide. Republicans candidate Francois Fillon was seen as the favourite until January when his campaign was torpedoed by allegations that he gave his British-born wife and two of his children fictitious jobs as parliamentary assistants. In the end, Fillon trailed in third with 20.01 percent, ahead of radical left candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon on 19.58 percent. On Monday, Fillon told the party's top brass he lacked "the legitimacy" to lead them into parliamentary elections in June. "I need to rethink my life and heal my family's wounds," he told them, according to a statement. Fillon and fifth-placed Socialist candidate Benoit Hamon have both rallied behind Macron. But Melenchon has pointedly avoided backing the centrist. The leaders of the Republicans squabbled Monday over whether to endorse Macron openly or simply urge supporters not to vote for Le Pen. 'Patriots v nationalists' Addressing thousands of flag-waving supporters in Paris on Sunday evening, Macron said he aimed to unite "patriots" against "the threat of nationalists". Le Pen, who has been hoping to emulate Donald Trump's victory in the US, said the French faced a choice between "runaway globalisation" and a protectionist France. Her plans to restore France's borders with its European neighbours, pull out of the eurozone and hold a referendum on leaving the EU had sown fear of another devastating blow to the bloc after Britain's vote to leave. The euro and European stocks rose Monday, buoyed by expectations that Macron is the hot favourite for next president. Le Pen gained over 1.2 million new voters compared with her last presidential bid in 2012, securing 7.7 million ballots, a result she hailed as "historic". But her share of the vote was far below a March poll high of 27 percent. She follows in the footsteps of her father Jean-Marie, who made it through to the 2002 presidential run-off in what was a political earthquake for France. Le Pen senior went on to suffer a stinging defeat when mainstream parties closed ranks to keep him out. Sunday's first round capped a rollercoaster campaign in a demoralised France, which has been rocked by a series of terror attacks since 2015 and is struggling to shake off a deep economic malaise. (AFP)

French election: Hollande urges voters to reject Le Pen

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