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France holds the first round of parliamentary elections on Sunday. Opinion polls show the far right could win the two-round legislative vote that concludes on July 7. Watch in for more details!

France Snap Elections: Far-right takes lead in round 1, What's next?

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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;

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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

At least four people were killed and several others were injured after a drunk driver crashed&nbsp;into a nail salon in Long Island, New York,&nbsp;said local officials in an update on Saturday&nbsp;(Jun 29),&nbsp;a day after the incident.&nbsp;

<h2>New details emerge&nbsp;</h2>

On Friday (Jun 28), officials said that a vehicle had slammed into the nail salon in Deer Park, Suffolk County killing four people and injuring nine others&nbsp;who were inside the business at the time.&nbsp;

The vehicle came to a stop at the back of the Hawaii Nail &amp; Spa store at around 4:40 pm (local time). The crash had left the driver as well as multiple people trapped inside the nail salon who were later removed and taken to nearby hospitals.&nbsp;

“There were people trapped,” assistant Chief Dominic Albanese of the Deer Park Fire Department told reporters at the scene. “We extricated them and transported them to area hospitals.”

He also&nbsp;said that the driver was found semiconscious and taken to the hospital.&nbsp;

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The driver,&nbsp;later identified as&nbsp;Steven Schwally, 64, was said to be drunk driving&nbsp;at high speed&nbsp;through a parking lot in Deer Park when he&nbsp;crossed a roadway and continued into another parking lot before crashing into the&nbsp;front window of the nail salon, said the&nbsp;Suffolk County Police, on Saturday.&nbsp;

The 64-year-old has since been&nbsp;charged with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) and will be arraigned at a later date, said the police.&nbsp;Schwally was among those hospitalised and&nbsp;suffered non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp;

<h2>About the victims</h2>

The four victims killed in the crash have been identified as Jiancai Chen, 37, of Bayside, Queens; Emilia Rennhack, 30, of Deer Park; Yan Xu, 41, of Flushing, Queens; and Meizi Zhang, 50, of Flushing, Queens, were killed, said&nbsp;the Suffolk County Police Department said in a release.&nbsp;

All four people killed died at the scene, said the police.&nbsp;

Rennhack, an off-duty New York Police Department (NYPD) officer, was among those killed, a spokesperson from the NYPD confirmed her death, on Saturday.&nbsp;The 30-year-old was reportedly assigned to the 102nd precinct&nbsp;in Queens.&nbsp;

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Among the nine injured, four were hospitalised&nbsp;with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Meanwhile, a&nbsp;12-year-old&nbsp;girl was among five others&nbsp;who were treated&nbsp;at area hospitals for injuries.&nbsp;

<h2>Eyewitness accounts</h2>

A report by WNBC citing witnesses said that the van was trying to pass another car when it went directly into the business.

Eric Perez, who was putting groceries into his car parked across from the site of the crash, told Newsday on Friday&nbsp;that he heard a speeding car and then a noise that “sounded like shattering.”&nbsp;

According to local officials, around 150 firefighters and medical personnel responded to the crash. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

At least four people were killed and several others were injured after a drunk driver crashed into a nail salon in Long Island, New York, said local officials in an update on Saturday (Jun 29), a day after the incident.

At least four people were killed and several others were injured after a drunk driver crashed into a nail salon in Long Island, New York, said local officials in an update on Saturday (Jun 29), a day after the incident. New details emerge On Friday (Jun 28), officials said that a vehicle had slammed into the nail salon in Deer Park, Suffolk County killing four people and injuring nine others who were inside the business at the time. The vehicle came to a stop at the back of the Hawaii Nail & Spa store at around 4:40 pm (local time). The crash had left the driver as well as multiple people trapped inside the nail salon who were later removed and taken to nearby hospitals. “There were people trapped,” assistant Chief Dominic Albanese of the Deer Park Fire Department told reporters at the scene. “We extricated them and transported them to area hospitals.” He also said that the driver was found semiconscious and taken to the hospital. Also Read | After Delhi, Rajkot airport terminal's canopy collapses amid heavy rains The driver, later identified as Steven Schwally, 64, was said to be drunk driving at high speed through a parking lot in Deer Park when he crossed a roadway and continued into another parking lot before crashing into the front window of the nail salon, said the Suffolk County Police, on Saturday. The 64-year-old has since been charged with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) and will be arraigned at a later date, said the police. Schwally was among those hospitalised and suffered non-life-threatening injuries. About the victims The four victims killed in the crash have been identified as Jiancai Chen, 37, of Bayside, Queens; Emilia Rennhack, 30, of Deer Park; Yan Xu, 41, of Flushing, Queens; and Meizi Zhang, 50, of Flushing, Queens, were killed, said the Suffolk County Police Department said in a release. All four people killed died at the scene, said the police. Rennhack, an off-duty New York Police Department (NYPD) officer, was among those killed, a spokesperson from the NYPD confirmed her death, on Saturday. The 30-year-old was reportedly assigned to the 102nd precinct in Queens. Also Read | US presidential debate: A fumbling Biden let’s Trump get away with his 'usual lies' Among the nine injured, four were hospitalised with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Meanwhile, a 12-year-old girl was among five others who were treated at area hospitals for injuries. Eyewitness accounts A report by WNBC citing witnesses said that the van was trying to pass another car when it went directly into the business. Eric Perez, who was putting groceries into his car parked across from the site of the crash, told Newsday on Friday that he heard a speeding car and then a noise that “sounded like shattering.” According to local officials, around 150 firefighters and medical personnel responded to the crash. (With inputs from agencies)

US: 4 killed after drunk driver slams into Long Island nail salon; suspect charged with DWI

Indian captain Rohit Sharma announced that the T20 World Cup winning game against South Africa in Barbados&nbsp;was his last in the shortest format as he announced his retirement from T20Is. In other news, voters in France will head&nbsp;to the polls on Sunday (Jun 30) to cast their ballots in the first round of the high-stakes snap parliamentary elections.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-captain-rohit-sharma-announces-t20i-retirement-after-world-cup-win-barbados-736430">India captain Rohit Sharma announces T20I retirement after World Cup win in Barbados</a>

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Indian captain Rohit Sharma announced that the T20 World Cup winning game against South Africa in Barbados (on Saturday, June 29) was his last in the shortest format as he announced his retirement from T20Is, joining veteran batter Virat Kohli in taking a similar call.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-elections-voters-to-cast-ballots-in-snap-polls-as-far-right-seeks-historic-win-736445">France elections: Voters to cast ballots in snap polls as far right seeks historic win 
 
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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.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigeria-at-least-18-killed-after-string-of-suspected-suicide-bomb-attacks-736425">Nigeria: At least 18 killed after string of suspected suicide bomb attacks 
 
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At least 18 people have been killed and dozens of others have been injured in suspected suicide attacks targeting a wedding, a hospital and a funeral in northeastern Nigeria on Saturday (Jun 29), said local officials.&nbsp;

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Ukrainian authorities on Saturday (June 29) claimed that seven people were killed and 31 others were injured after Russian side fired missiles at the town of Vilniansk outside the city of Zaporizhzhia.

WATCH |&nbsp;Fans on streets to celebrate India's win over South Africa in final

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<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

Indian captain Rohit Sharma announced that the T20 World Cup winning game against South Africa in Barbados was his last in the shortest format as he announced his retirement from T20Is.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma announced that the T20 World Cup winning game against South Africa in Barbados was his last in the shortest format as he announced his retirement from T20Is. In other news, voters in France will head to the polls on Sunday (Jun 30) to cast their ballots in the first round of the high-stakes snap parliamentary elections. Click on the headlines to read more India captain Rohit Sharma announces T20I retirement after World Cup win in Barbados Indian captain Rohit Sharma announced that the T20 World Cup winning game against South Africa in Barbados (on Saturday, June 29) was his last in the shortest format as he announced his retirement from T20Is, joining veteran batter Virat Kohli in taking a similar call. France elections: Voters to cast ballots in snap polls as far right seeks historic win 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. Nigeria: At least 18 killed after string of suspected suicide bomb attacks At least 18 people have been killed and dozens of others have been injured in suspected suicide attacks targeting a wedding, a hospital and a funeral in northeastern Nigeria on Saturday (Jun 29), said local officials. Zelensky calls for more weapons from West as Russia strikes town outside Zaporizhzhia Ukrainian authorities on Saturday (June 29) claimed that seven people were killed and 31 others were injured after Russian side fired missiles at the town of Vilniansk outside the city of Zaporizhzhia. WATCH | Fans on streets to celebrate India's win over South Africa in final

Morning news brief: India captain Rohit Sharma to retire from T20I; France votes in snap polls, and more

India beat South Africa in the T20 World Cup final. Wion's Digvijay Singh Deo decodes the five game-changing moments in the summit clash that helped India break their ICC title drought.

Five game-changing moments in India's T20 world cup triumph

France Snap Elections: Far right looks headed for victory

France Snap Elections: Opinion polls show far right might win

Iran will hold a runoff presidential election on July 5 after Friday’s vote saw none of the four candidates securing an outright win. Watch in for more details!

Iran will hold a runoff election between a reformist and a hardliner

Iran presidential election heads to runoff between Pezeshkian and Jalili

At least 18 people have been killed and several&nbsp;others&nbsp;injured in suspected suicide attacks targeting a wedding, a hospital and a funeral in northeastern Nigeria on Saturday (Jun 29), said local officials.&nbsp;

<h2>What we know about the attacks</h2>

According to the head of the local state emergency management agency, a series of attacks by suspected female suicide bombers took place in Nigeria’s northeastern Borno state leading&nbsp;to the death of 18 people. There have also been&nbsp;injuries to 42 people of which 19 are seriously wounded.&nbsp;

The region has been at the centre of a 15-year Islamist insurgency that has killed thousands of people and led to the displacement of millions of others. The group at the centre of this violence, Boko Haram, did not immediately claim responsibility for the string of attacks.

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A report by AFP citing a state police spokesman said in one of the three blasts on Saturday in the town of Gwoza, a woman with a baby strapped to her back detonated explosives in the middle of a wedding ceremony.&nbsp;

The blast at the wedding ceremony took place at around 3:45 pm (local time) when a “woman carrying a baby on her back detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) she had on her at a crowded motor park,” said Borno State police spokesman Nahum Kenneth Daso.&nbsp;

The female suicide bombers also targeted a hospital in the same town and carried out another attack at the funeral for victims of the wedding blast, reported AFP citing local authorities.&nbsp;

<h2>About the victims</h2>

Barkindo Saidu, director general of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency, said 18 deaths had been confirmed, a toll that included children, adults and pregnant women.&nbsp;

“The degree of injuries ranges from abdominal ruptures, skull fractures, and limb fractures,” said Saidu, as quoted by Reuters.&nbsp;

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Saidu, in a report seen by AFP, said 19 people who had been “seriously injured” were taken to the regional capital Maiduguri, while 23 others were awaiting evacuation.&nbsp;

<h2>Violence in Gwoza</h2>

The Nigerian town which lies across the border from Cameroon has been witnessing violence for more than a decade now. Boko Haram had seized Gwoza in 2014, but it was taken back by the Nigerian military with help from Chadian forces the year after.&nbsp;

Boko Haram and its splinter group, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), are the most active militant groups in Borno. The violence has killed more than 40,000 people&nbsp;and displaced around two million in Nigeria’s northeast, according to AFP.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

At least 18 people have been killed and several others injured in suspected suicide attacks targeting a wedding, a hospital and a funeral in northeastern Nigeria on Saturday (Jun 29), said local officials.

At least 18 people have been killed and several others injured in suspected suicide attacks targeting a wedding, a hospital and a funeral in northeastern Nigeria on Saturday (Jun 29), said local officials. What we know about the attacks According to the head of the local state emergency management agency, a series of attacks by suspected female suicide bombers took place in Nigeria’s northeastern Borno state leading to the death of 18 people. There have also been injuries to 42 people of which 19 are seriously wounded. The region has been at the centre of a 15-year Islamist insurgency that has killed thousands of people and led to the displacement of millions of others. The group at the centre of this violence, Boko Haram, did not immediately claim responsibility for the string of attacks. Also Read | Rights of Afghan women is an internal issue: Taliban ahead of UN-led talks A report by AFP citing a state police spokesman said in one of the three blasts on Saturday in the town of Gwoza, a woman with a baby strapped to her back detonated explosives in the middle of a wedding ceremony. The blast at the wedding ceremony took place at around 3:45 pm (local time) when a “woman carrying a baby on her back detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) she had on her at a crowded motor park,” said Borno State police spokesman Nahum Kenneth Daso. The female suicide bombers also targeted a hospital in the same town and carried out another attack at the funeral for victims of the wedding blast, reported AFP citing local authorities. About the victims Barkindo Saidu, director general of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency, said 18 deaths had been confirmed, a toll that included children, adults and pregnant women. “The degree of injuries ranges from abdominal ruptures, skull fractures, and limb fractures,” said Saidu, as quoted by Reuters. Also Read | Dozens of firefighters in Greece battle to stop wildfire ignited north of Athens Saidu, in a report seen by AFP, said 19 people who had been “seriously injured” were taken to the regional capital Maiduguri, while 23 others were awaiting evacuation. Violence in Gwoza The Nigerian town which lies across the border from Cameroon has been witnessing violence for more than a decade now. Boko Haram had seized Gwoza in 2014, but it was taken back by the Nigerian military with help from Chadian forces the year after. Boko Haram and its splinter group, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), are the most active militant groups in Borno. The violence has killed more than 40,000 people and displaced around two million in Nigeria’s northeast, according to AFP. (With inputs from agencies)

Nigeria: At least 18 killed after string of suspected suicide bomb attacks

Thousands of residents of the Spanish city of Malaga came out to protest against mass tourism, which, according to them, is the cause of high rents and housing shortages. Watch in for more details!

Hundreds of Malaga residents march against mass tourism

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has announced the formation of a new far-right alliance in the European Parliament, dubbed the "Patriots for Europe".

The alliance will include Orban's Fidesz party, Austria's Freedom Party (FPO), and the populist Czech ANO party led by Andrej Babis.&nbsp;

Orban stated that the new bloc aims to become the largest right-wing group in the European Parliament, promising "peace, security and development" in contrast to the "war, migration and stagnation" brought by the "Brussels elite".

The three party leaders signed a "Patriotic Manifesto" outlining their vision.

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"A new era begins here, and the first, perhaps decisive moment of this new era is the creation of a new European political faction that will change European politics," Orban said.

"Starting immediately ... all political forces that want to join in our political and positive reform effort are very welcome," he added.&nbsp;

The formation of this alliance comes as Hungary assumes the rotating presidency of the European Union, raising concerns that Orban may use the position to further his nationalist agenda.

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Orban has previously been accused of undermining democratic institutions in Hungary, and the EU Parliament has called for the presidency to be taken away from Hungary.&nbsp;

Nationalist parties have made gains in the recent European Parliament elections, capitalising on voter discontent over issues like inflation and the cost of the green transition.

The new "Patriots for Europe" bloc is aiming to translate these seat gains into greater influence over EU policy.&nbsp;

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While the FPO currently leads in Austrian opinion polls, Orban faces a growing challenge in Hungary from the new opposition party Tisza, which plans to join the mainstream centre-right European People's Party (EPP).

<h2>Illegal immigration</h2>

The three leaders stated that a key priority for their new "Patriots for Europe" alliance would be the fight against illegal immigration, which has long been a major concern for them.

Orban, Kickl, and Babis cited the need to address the ongoing influx of irregular migrants into the EU, which they view as a threat to security and stability.

According to data from the EU's border agency Frontex, the bloc has recorded 53,270 irregular migrant arrivals in the first five months of 2024.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has announced the formation of a new far-right alliance in the European Parliament, dubbed the "Patriots for Europe". The alliance will include Orban's Fidesz party, Austria's Freedom Party (FPO), and the populist Czech ANO party led by Andrej Babis.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has announced the formation of a new far-right alliance in the European Parliament, dubbed the "Patriots for Europe". The alliance will include Orban's Fidesz party, Austria's Freedom Party (FPO), and the populist Czech ANO party led by Andrej Babis. Orban stated that the new bloc aims to become the largest right-wing group in the European Parliament, promising "peace, security and development" in contrast to the "war, migration and stagnation" brought by the "Brussels elite". The three party leaders signed a "Patriotic Manifesto" outlining their vision. Also Read | UK’s ailing NHS: Tories struggle after 14 years in power amid brewing dissatisfaction "A new era begins here, and the first, perhaps decisive moment of this new era is the creation of a new European political faction that will change European politics," Orban said. "Starting immediately ... all political forces that want to join in our political and positive reform effort are very welcome," he added. The formation of this alliance comes as Hungary assumes the rotating presidency of the European Union, raising concerns that Orban may use the position to further his nationalist agenda. Also Read | France elections: High turnout seen as expats cast vote in snap polls; far-right eyes historic win Orban has previously been accused of undermining democratic institutions in Hungary, and the EU Parliament has called for the presidency to be taken away from Hungary. Nationalist parties have made gains in the recent European Parliament elections, capitalising on voter discontent over issues like inflation and the cost of the green transition. The new "Patriots for Europe" bloc is aiming to translate these seat gains into greater influence over EU policy. Watch | Georgia parliament backs bills to restrict LGBT rights × While the FPO currently leads in Austrian opinion polls, Orban faces a growing challenge in Hungary from the new opposition party Tisza, which plans to join the mainstream centre-right European People's Party (EPP). Illegal immigration The three leaders stated that a key priority for their new "Patriots for Europe" alliance would be the fight against illegal immigration, which has long been a major concern for them. Orban, Kickl, and Babis cited the need to address the ongoing influx of irregular migrants into the EU, which they view as a threat to security and stability. According to data from the EU's border agency Frontex, the bloc has recorded 53,270 irregular migrant arrivals in the first five months of 2024. (With inputs from agencies)

Hungary's PM Viktor Orban unveils new far-right bloc in European Parliament

The IDF said Sunday they eliminated at least 40 militants in a major operation in&nbsp;Shejaiya neighbourhood of Gaza city.&nbsp;The IDF's 98th Division, comprising the 7th Armored Brigade and Paratroopers Brigade, is leading the current operation in the region. France is holding its snap parliamentary polls on Sunday.&nbsp;The polling stations across mainland France&nbsp; opened at 8:00 am (local time) and will close 12 hours later. A major development came from Kedarnath, India where a massive avalanche hit the Gandhi Sarovar. However, there were no reports of loss of property or lives.

Click on the headlines to read more.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/idf-strikes-hamas-targets-in-shejaiya-killing-at-least-40-militants-736515">IDF strikes Hamas targets in Shejaiya, killing at least 40 militants</a> 
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The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have conducted a major operation in the Shejaiya neighbourhood of Gaza City, eliminating at least 40 Hamas militants and destroying several of the group's underground tunnels.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-elections-voters-cast-ballots-in-snap-polls-as-far-right-seeks-historic-win-736445">France elections: Voters cast ballots in snap polls as far right seeks historic win</a>

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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.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/video-gandhi-sarovar-in-uttarakhands-kedarnath-hit-by-massive-avalanche-736500">Video: Gandhi Sarovar in Uttarakhand’s Kedarnath hit by massive avalanche</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/06/30/440815-capture.JPG?imwidth=400" />

An avalanche was reported over Gandhi Sarovar in Kedarnath in northern Indian hilly state of Uttarakhand on Sunday (Jun 30).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigeria-at-least-18-killed-after-string-of-suspected-suicide-bomb-attacks-736425">Nigeria: At least 18 killed after string of suspected suicide bomb attacks</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/06/30/440765-wion-images-2024-06-30t074849882.png?imwidth=400" />

At least 18 people have been killed and several&nbsp;others&nbsp;injured in suspected suicide attacks targeting a wedding, a hospital and a funeral in northeastern Nigeria on Saturday (Jun 29), said local officials.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/powerful-hurricane-beryl-barrels-towards-caribbean-736539">Hurricane Beryl rapidly intensifying as it barrels towards Caribbean islands</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/06/30/440835-hurricane.png?imwidth=400" />

Hurricane Beryl, the first major hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic season, is rapidly intensifying as it barrels towards the Caribbean islands.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bcci-secretary-jay-shah-announces-125-crore-rupees-prize-money-for-india-after-2024-t20-world-cup-win-736545">BCCI secretary Jay Shah announces $15 million prize money for Team India after T20 World Cup win</a> 
 
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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah has announced INR 125 crore or $15 million prize money for the team on winning the 2024 T20 World Cup.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-not-able-to-function-post-4pm-wh-officials-covering-up-for-him-big-time-report-736537">Biden not able to function post 4 pm; White House officials covering up for him big time: Report</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/06/30/440836-download.jpeg?imwidth=400" />

As per reports, US President Joe Biden is dealing with serious health issues that have effectively reduced his working capacity to just six hours a day.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/opposition-india-bloc-looks-set-to-nominate-ayodhya-mp-awadhesh-for-deputy-speaker-post-736556">Opposition INDIA bloc looks set to nominate Ayodhya MP Awadhesh for deputy speaker post</a> 
<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/06/30/440844-1200-675-21834343-thumbnail-16x9-awdhesh.jpg?imwidth=400" /> 
 
The Indian Parliament is gearing up for the next key battle among the rival political groups as the new Lok Sabha settles in: The election for the post of Deputy Speaker.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/reasi-terror-attack-nia-raids-multiple-locations-in-jammu-kashmirs-rajouri-736505">Reasi terror attack: NIA raids multiple locations in Jammu &amp; Kashmir’s Rajouri</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/06/13/437602-capture.JPG?imwidth=400" />

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) searched several places in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday in connection with the terrorist attack in Reasi that left nine people dead, including a toddler.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/us-rapper-kanye-west-visits-moscow-russian-media-736543">US rapper Kanye West visits Moscow: Russian media</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/28/362847-kanye-west.png?imwidth=400" />

US rapper Kanye West was in Moscow, Russian media reported on Sunday quoting a well-known Russian producer. 
 
&nbsp;

The IDF said Sunday they eliminated at least 40 militants in a major operation in Shejaiya neighbourhood of Gaza city. The IDF's 98th Division, comprising the 7th Armored Brigade and Paratroopers Brigade, is leading the current operation in the region.

The IDF said Sunday they eliminated at least 40 militants in a major operation in Shejaiya neighbourhood of Gaza city. The IDF's 98th Division, comprising the 7th Armored Brigade and Paratroopers Brigade, is leading the current operation in the region. France is holding its snap parliamentary polls on Sunday. The polling stations across mainland France opened at 8:00 am (local time) and will close 12 hours later. A major development came from Kedarnath, India where a massive avalanche hit the Gandhi Sarovar. However, there were no reports of loss of property or lives. Click on the headlines to read more. IDF strikes Hamas targets in Shejaiya, killing at least 40 militants The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have conducted a major operation in the Shejaiya neighbourhood of Gaza City, eliminating at least 40 Hamas militants and destroying several of the group's underground tunnels. France elections: Voters cast ballots in snap polls as far right seeks historic win 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. Video: Gandhi Sarovar in Uttarakhand’s Kedarnath hit by massive avalanche An avalanche was reported over Gandhi Sarovar in Kedarnath in northern Indian hilly state of Uttarakhand on Sunday (Jun 30). Nigeria: At least 18 killed after string of suspected suicide bomb attacks At least 18 people have been killed and several others injured in suspected suicide attacks targeting a wedding, a hospital and a funeral in northeastern Nigeria on Saturday (Jun 29), said local officials. Hurricane Beryl rapidly intensifying as it barrels towards Caribbean islands Hurricane Beryl, the first major hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic season, is rapidly intensifying as it barrels towards the Caribbean islands. BCCI secretary Jay Shah announces $15 million prize money for Team India after T20 World Cup win The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah has announced INR 125 crore or $15 million prize money for the team on winning the 2024 T20 World Cup. Biden not able to function post 4 pm; White House officials covering up for him big time: Report As per reports, US President Joe Biden is dealing with serious health issues that have effectively reduced his working capacity to just six hours a day. Opposition INDIA bloc looks set to nominate Ayodhya MP Awadhesh for deputy speaker post The Indian Parliament is gearing up for the next key battle among the rival political groups as the new Lok Sabha settles in: The election for the post of Deputy Speaker. Reasi terror attack: NIA raids multiple locations in Jammu & Kashmir’s Rajouri The National Investigation Agency (NIA) searched several places in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday in connection with the terrorist attack in Reasi that left nine people dead, including a toddler. US rapper Kanye West visits Moscow: Russian media US rapper Kanye West was in Moscow, Russian media reported on Sunday quoting a well-known Russian producer.

Top 10 world news: IDF strike eliminates 40 militants in Gaza; France snap parliamentary polls, and more

As the United Kingdom goes to polls on July 4, dissatisfaction and distressing experiences with the National Health Service (NHS) linger in voters’ minds.

From primary care appointments to elective surgery and cancer treatment, most people are waiting to access medical care, and for long periods.

After 14 years of Conservative Party-led government, the NHS waiting list for treatment referrals in England trebled to 7.6 million cases in April.

The figures paint a striking picture of UK public services in decline, with voters blaming the party for a litany of problems including sewage spills, the cost-of-living crisis, crime and more and more illegal migrants entering the country.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-election-high-turnout-seen-as-far-right-eyes-historic-win-736550">France elections: High turnout seen as expats cast vote in snap polls; far-right eyes historic win</a>

Voters’ frustration with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s party is reflected in opinion polls which show the Tories significantly trailing in the imminent parliamentary elections.

<h2>The ailing NHS</h2>

Creaking under the weight of an ageing and growing population, years of funding constraints, and fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, the NHS is feeling the pinch at a time of ever-rising demands for its services.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-jordan-bardella-marine-le-pens-protege-eying-french-pm-seat-736542">Who is Jordan Bardella, Marine Le Pen's protégé eying French PM seat?</a>

In March, more than 7.54 million people in England were waiting for elective surgery such as cataract removals or hip replacements, 65 per cent more than before the pandemic.

More than 302,500 cases involved waits longer than 52 weeks. About 50,400 cases were waiting for more than 65 weeks, and nearly 5,000 involved waits of more than 78 weeks.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/7-killed-18-injured-in-bus-accident-in-pakistans-karachi-736544">7 killed, 18 injured in bus accident in Pakistan's Karachi</a>

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Subsequently, people’s dissatisfaction with the NHS shot up to 52 per cent&nbsp;last year, 29 percentage points higher than in 2020, as per the annually conducted British Social Attitudes Survey.

Britons’ satisfaction with the availability of quality healthcare also registered a dramatic decline, plunging from 92 per cent in 2011 to 66 per cent last year, according to Gallup surveys. 
 
Much of the blowout in waiting times has been blamed on chronic underinvestment, which stemmed from years of austerity implemented in the wake of the 2007-08 global financial crisis.

Since the Conservatives came to power in 2010, the U.K. budget has been buffeted by the global financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and inflation, all of which increased government expenditures, slowed economic growth and curtailed revenue.

Consequently, the healthcare budget grew by an average of only 2.8 per cent&nbsp;annually over the past eight years, compared with 3.6 per cent&nbsp;over the previous 50 years.

For citizens of the UK, the NHS plays a part in their lives. However, it is also the most glaring example of how the social contract in Britain is fraying.

Newspapers are filled with stories of people waiting weeks to get appointments with their family doctors, children being hospitalised for emergency tooth extractions because they weren’t able to get preventive dental care and patients who spend hours in the back of ambulances waiting for emergency room backups to clear.

All of that translates to the second-worst rates of mortality in the UK from avoidable causes among 19 rich nations, in part due to below-average investment that resulted in fewer beds, staff and scanners than peer countries, as per a report by The King’s Fund think tank published last year.

Furthermore, the NHS is facing staff retention problems attributed to meagre pay and poor conditions of the medical workforce, which saw a record 169,512 employees quit in 2022.

<h2>Can mounting dissatisfaction with the NHS impact Tory votes?</h2>

The Conservatives say that many of the pressures on the NHS are out of their control. They have promised to build 50 diagnostic hubs around the country and boost funding by more than inflation during each year of the next government.

Meanwhile, the Labour Party plans to tackle the backlogs by spending 1 billion pounds ($1.27 billion) to fund 40,000 more operations, scans and appointments each week, while pledging to train thousands of new general practitioners.

However, the NHS would need far more investment than promised by either of the two sides, warned The Health Foundation think tank last week, suggesting that it would require 38 billion pounds ($48 billion) more annually than planned to achieve the desired goals.

For months, Keir Starmer’s Labour Party has been leading the opinion polls by about 20 percentage points, portending a potential topple for the Tories.

“People’s lived experience of the NHS is very, very negative at the moment. However, they retain a great deal of faith in the NHS, and they want to elect a government that they think is going to rescue it,” said Tim Bale, a professor of politics at Queen Mary University of London.

According to The King’s Fund, the NHS needs to rethink the way it provides care, making better use of technology and focusing on keeping people healthy, rather than treating them once they get sick, to fix the healthcare&nbsp;crisis.

(With inputs from agencies)

As the United Kingdom goes to polls on July 4, dissatisfaction and distressing experiences with the National Health Service (NHS) linger in voters’ minds. From primary care appointments to elective surgery and cancer treatment, most people are waiting to access medical care, and for long periods.

As the United Kingdom goes to polls on July 4, dissatisfaction and distressing experiences with the National Health Service (NHS) linger in voters’ minds. From primary care appointments to elective surgery and cancer treatment, most people are waiting to access medical care, and for long periods. After 14 years of Conservative Party-led government, the NHS waiting list for treatment referrals in England trebled to 7.6 million cases in April. The figures paint a striking picture of UK public services in decline, with voters blaming the party for a litany of problems including sewage spills, the cost-of-living crisis, crime and more and more illegal migrants entering the country. Also Read | France elections: High turnout seen as expats cast vote in snap polls; far-right eyes historic win Voters’ frustration with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s party is reflected in opinion polls which show the Tories significantly trailing in the imminent parliamentary elections. The ailing NHS Creaking under the weight of an ageing and growing population, years of funding constraints, and fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, the NHS is feeling the pinch at a time of ever-rising demands for its services. Also Read | Who is Jordan Bardella, Marine Le Pen's protégé eying French PM seat? In March, more than 7.54 million people in England were waiting for elective surgery such as cataract removals or hip replacements, 65 per cent more than before the pandemic. More than 302,500 cases involved waits longer than 52 weeks. About 50,400 cases were waiting for more than 65 weeks, and nearly 5,000 involved waits of more than 78 weeks. Watch | 7 killed, 18 injured in bus accident in Pakistan's Karachi × Subsequently, people’s dissatisfaction with the NHS shot up to 52 per cent last year, 29 percentage points higher than in 2020, as per the annually conducted British Social Attitudes Survey. Britons’ satisfaction with the availability of quality healthcare also registered a dramatic decline, plunging from 92 per cent in 2011 to 66 per cent last year, according to Gallup surveys. Much of the blowout in waiting times has been blamed on chronic underinvestment, which stemmed from years of austerity implemented in the wake of the 2007-08 global financial crisis. Since the Conservatives came to power in 2010, the U.K. budget has been buffeted by the global financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and inflation, all of which increased government expenditures, slowed economic growth and curtailed revenue. Consequently, the healthcare budget grew by an average of only 2.8 per cent annually over the past eight years, compared with 3.6 per cent over the previous 50 years. For citizens of the UK, the NHS plays a part in their lives. However, it is also the most glaring example of how the social contract in Britain is fraying. Newspapers are filled with stories of people waiting weeks to get appointments with their family doctors, children being hospitalised for emergency tooth extractions because they weren’t able to get preventive dental care and patients who spend hours in the back of ambulances waiting for emergency room backups to clear. All of that translates to the second-worst rates of mortality in the UK from avoidable causes among 19 rich nations, in part due to below-average investment that resulted in fewer beds, staff and scanners than peer countries, as per a report by The King’s Fund think tank published last year. Furthermore, the NHS is facing staff retention problems attributed to meagre pay and poor conditions of the medical workforce, which saw a record 169,512 employees quit in 2022. Can mounting dissatisfaction with the NHS impact Tory votes? The Conservatives say that many of the pressures on the NHS are out of their control. They have promised to build 50 diagnostic hubs around the country and boost funding by more than inflation during each year of the next government. Meanwhile, the Labour Party plans to tackle the backlogs by spending 1 billion pounds ($1.27 billion) to fund 40,000 more operations, scans and appointments each week, while pledging to train thousands of new general practitioners. However, the NHS would need far more investment than promised by either of the two sides, warned The Health Foundation think tank last week, suggesting that it would require 38 billion pounds ($48 billion) more annually than planned to achieve the desired goals. For months, Keir Starmer’s Labour Party has been leading the opinion polls by about 20 percentage points, portending a potential topple for the Tories. “People’s lived experience of the NHS is very, very negative at the moment. However, they retain a great deal of faith in the NHS, and they want to elect a government that they think is going to rescue it,” said Tim Bale, a professor of politics at Queen Mary University of London. According to The King’s Fund, the NHS needs to rethink the way it provides care, making better use of technology and focusing on keeping people healthy, rather than treating them once they get sick, to fix the healthcare crisis. (With inputs from agencies)

UK: Tories struggle after 14 years in power amid brewing dissatisfaction over ailing NHS

Wildfires are common in Greece but they have become more devastating in recent years amid hotter and drier summers that scientists link to climate change. Watch in for more details!

Devastating wildfire wreaks havoc in Greece

In recent years, Europe has faced significant challenges due to overtourism, with the influx of travelers seeking warm weather, sandy beaches, and lively atmospheres during summer months reaching unprecedented levels.

After Barcelona, Malaga fights overtourism

South Korea has the world's lowest fertility rate, which indicates the average number of children a woman will have in her lifetime. It recorded a rate of just 0.72 in 2023 – down from 0.78 the previous year, the latest drop in a long string of yearly declines.

S Korea faced with a shrinking population

India won the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 second time by defeating South Africa in the final.

Fans on streets to celebrate India's win over South Africa in final

Reform UK has dropped three of its candidates following reports they had made offensive or racist comments, a spokesman has said.

Reform UK drops three candidates over offensive comments

Between Atlantic and Mediterranean, the global election summer is beginning to peak. This week, the corridors of power in Tehran, Washington D.C., London and Paris appeared in the middle of a flux that could reshape geo-economic dynamics of our increasingly polarised world.

In Tehran, the all-powerful Guardian Council's concession of a reformist candidate in the presidential election turned the tables and now there will be a runoff election between the reformist and a Khamenei loyalist.

In Washington D.C., President Joe Biden's disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump has made the specter of a Trump presidency all too real.

In Paris, President Macron's snap election gamble is playing in the hands of far right.

Read this and more, in The Capitals, this weekend.

<h2>Tehran, Iran</h2>

A total of six candidates were running for president a month after President Ebrahim Raisi's death in a helicopter crash. By the eve of elections, the field was down to four with&nbsp;voluntary retractions by two Khamenei loyalists and purportedly to ensure more support for&nbsp;hardline former nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili. But Jalili failed to establish a decisive lead over reformist&nbsp;lawmaker Masoud Pezeshkian.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-elections-one-reformist-four-khameini-loyalists-to-battle-it-out-in-june-28-polls-735562">Iran elections: One reformist, three Khamenei loyalists battle it out in June 28 polls</a>

The voter turnout was reported to be just about 40 per cent, a record low for an Iranian presidential election since 1979 revolution.&nbsp;

The initial results showed Pezeshkian received 10.45 million&nbsp;votes, Jalili 9.47 million&nbsp;and the other leading conservative Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf 3.38 million. A fourth candidate, Mostafa Pourmohammadi, a former justice minister&nbsp;won only 206,000.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranians-vote-in-snap-polls-with-hopes-for-better-economy-regional-stability-735900">Iranians vote in snap polls with hopes of better economy, regional stability</a>

The runoff between Pezeshkian and Jalili will take place on Friday (July 5). But this doesn't mean a win for the Iran's reformist camp. The bulk of the Ghalibaf votes (about 3.38 million) are predicted to switch to Jalili. Unless Pezeshkian manages to get more voters out of their homes given that the first round showed he stands a chance to win, it'll all but a smokescreen of hope for the reformists in Iran intending to get out of the shadow of conservative norms that have come to define Iranian life after 1979.&nbsp;

<h2>Paris, France</h2>

French President Emmanuel Macron is a big-time fan of literature. On state visits, he has made it a point to meet literature pioneers of the host country. To state guests, he has gifted Marcel Proust's first edition novels. It is somewhat based on this literary idealism that Macron called snap elections earlier in June after his party was trounced in European parliamentary elections.&nbsp;

While most predictions point to a surge in the fortunes of far-right party of Marine Le Pen in a historic first, the numbers are not yet in and the verdict is not yet out.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;France Polls: What's at stake and what to expect?

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But French voters have turned out in large numbers on Sunday (June 30) for the first round of high-stakes snap parliamentary elections.

The two-round vote could put the far-right in power in France for the first time since the Nazi occupation in the second World War.&nbsp;

Macron and his wife Brigitte cast their ballots in Le Touquet in northern France, with the 46-year-old president seen taking selfies and mingling with supporters.

Final opinion polls have given the Le Pen's National Rally between 35 per cent and 37 per cent of the vote, compared to 27.5-29 per cent for the left-wing New Popular Front alliance, and 20-21 per cent for Macron's centrist camp.

Between Atlantic and Mediterranean, the global election summer is beginning to peak. This week, the corridors of power in Tehran, Washington D.C., London and Paris appeared in the middle of a flux that could reshape geo-economic dynamics of our increasingly polarised world.

Between Atlantic and Mediterranean, the global election summer is beginning to peak. This week, the corridors of power in Tehran, Washington D.C., London and Paris appeared in the middle of a flux that could reshape geo-economic dynamics of our increasingly polarised world. In Tehran, the all-powerful Guardian Council's concession of a reformist candidate in the presidential election turned the tables and now there will be a runoff election between the reformist and a Khamenei loyalist. In Washington D.C., President Joe Biden's disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump has made the specter of a Trump presidency all too real. In Paris, President Macron's snap election gamble is playing in the hands of far right. Read this and more, in The Capitals, this weekend. Tehran, Iran A total of six candidates were running for president a month after President Ebrahim Raisi's death in a helicopter crash. By the eve of elections, the field was down to four with voluntary retractions by two Khamenei loyalists and purportedly to ensure more support for hardline former nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili. But Jalili failed to establish a decisive lead over reformist lawmaker Masoud Pezeshkian. Also read | Iran elections: One reformist, three Khamenei loyalists battle it out in June 28 polls The voter turnout was reported to be just about 40 per cent, a record low for an Iranian presidential election since 1979 revolution. The initial results showed Pezeshkian received 10.45 million votes, Jalili 9.47 million and the other leading conservative Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf 3.38 million. A fourth candidate, Mostafa Pourmohammadi, a former justice minister won only 206,000. Also read | Iranians vote in snap polls with hopes of better economy, regional stability The runoff between Pezeshkian and Jalili will take place on Friday (July 5). But this doesn't mean a win for the Iran's reformist camp. The bulk of the Ghalibaf votes (about 3.38 million) are predicted to switch to Jalili. Unless Pezeshkian manages to get more voters out of their homes given that the first round showed he stands a chance to win, it'll all but a smokescreen of hope for the reformists in Iran intending to get out of the shadow of conservative norms that have come to define Iranian life after 1979. Paris, France French President Emmanuel Macron is a big-time fan of literature. On state visits, he has made it a point to meet literature pioneers of the host country. To state guests, he has gifted Marcel Proust's first edition novels. It is somewhat based on this literary idealism that Macron called snap elections earlier in June after his party was trounced in European parliamentary elections. While most predictions point to a surge in the fortunes of far-right party of Marine Le Pen in a historic first, the numbers are not yet in and the verdict is not yet out. Also watch | France Polls: What's at stake and what to expect? × But French voters have turned out in large numbers on Sunday (June 30) for the first round of high-stakes snap parliamentary elections. The two-round vote could put the far-right in power in France for the first time since the Nazi occupation in the second World War. Macron and his wife Brigitte cast their ballots in Le Touquet in northern France, with the 46-year-old president seen taking selfies and mingling with supporters. Final opinion polls have given the Le Pen's National Rally between 35 per cent and 37 per cent of the vote, compared to 27.5-29 per cent for the left-wing New Popular Front alliance, and 20-21 per cent for Macron's centrist camp.

The Capitals: Tehran delivers reformist election whisper before runoff; and more

Sixty-six percent of poll respondents said Netanyahu should not compete in the next elections, compared with 27% who thought he should, and 7% who don’t know. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli poll suggests 66% of people want Netanyahu to leave office

After calling for unexpected elections just three weeks ago, French President Emmanuel Macron cast his ballot on Sunday in the first round of the elections. The first round saw high voter turnout.

Macron took a great risk by dissolving the lower chamber of parliament following significant victories for the far right in European elections in early June.&nbsp;

The National Assembly's majority party and the prime minister will be chosen after two rounds of voting.

Macron faces the risk of sharing power with groups that oppose most of his initiatives. The election is scheduled for the usual first week of summer vacation in France, and absentee ballot requests are at least five times higher than in the 2022 elections.

This election has three main political coalitions: Macron's centrist alliance, Le Pen's RN, and the New Popular Front. According to opinion surveys, RN is expected to secure at least 289 of the 577 seats in the National Assembly, or an absolute majority.&nbsp;

Watch | France Snap Elections: Far-right eyes power in historic first&nbsp;

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President Emmanuel Macron surprised the country by calling the vote after his centrist coalition was defeated in European elections last month by Marine Le Pen's National Rally (RN).&nbsp;

Her eurosceptic, anti-immigrant party has long been a pariah, but it is now closer to power than ever before.

The polling stations across mainland France opened at 8:00 AM (local time) and remained open for 12 hours. In smaller towns, the polls closed earlier, while in larger cities, they stayed open till later.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-elections-voters-cast-ballots-in-snap-polls-as-far-right-seeks-historic-win-736445">France: Voters cast ballots in snap polls as far right seeks historic win</a>

According to polls, the RN is comfortably ahead with 33%–36% of the public vote, followed by the New Popular Front in second place with 28%–31% and Macron’s centrist coalition in third place with 20%–23%.

The parties that make up the New Popular Front range widely, from the centrist, moderate parties to the hard-left, eurosceptic, anti-NATO party France Unbowed, which is led by Jean-Luc Melenchon, one of Macron's rival.

Given the nature of the election, it is difficult to predict how the polling results will be translated into seats in the National Assembly, according to Vincent Martigny, a political science professor at the Ecole Polytechnique and University of Nice.

(With inputs from agencies)

After calling for unexpected elections just three weeks ago, French President Emmanuel Macron cast his ballot on Sunday in the first round of the elections. The first round saw high voter turnout.

After calling for unexpected elections just three weeks ago, French President Emmanuel Macron cast his ballot on Sunday in the first round of the elections. The first round saw high voter turnout. Macron took a great risk by dissolving the lower chamber of parliament following significant victories for the far right in European elections in early June. The National Assembly's majority party and the prime minister will be chosen after two rounds of voting. Macron faces the risk of sharing power with groups that oppose most of his initiatives. The election is scheduled for the usual first week of summer vacation in France, and absentee ballot requests are at least five times higher than in the 2022 elections. This election has three main political coalitions: Macron's centrist alliance, Le Pen's RN, and the New Popular Front. According to opinion surveys, RN is expected to secure at least 289 of the 577 seats in the National Assembly, or an absolute majority. Watch | France Snap Elections: Far-right eyes power in historic first × President Emmanuel Macron surprised the country by calling the vote after his centrist coalition was defeated in European elections last month by Marine Le Pen's National Rally (RN). Her eurosceptic, anti-immigrant party has long been a pariah, but it is now closer to power than ever before. The polling stations across mainland France opened at 8:00 AM (local time) and remained open for 12 hours. In smaller towns, the polls closed earlier, while in larger cities, they stayed open till later. Also read | France: Voters cast ballots in snap polls as far right seeks historic win According to polls, the RN is comfortably ahead with 33%–36% of the public vote, followed by the New Popular Front in second place with 28%–31% and Macron’s centrist coalition in third place with 20%–23%. The parties that make up the New Popular Front range widely, from the centrist, moderate parties to the hard-left, eurosceptic, anti-NATO party France Unbowed, which is led by Jean-Luc Melenchon, one of Macron's rival. Given the nature of the election, it is difficult to predict how the polling results will be translated into seats in the National Assembly, according to Vincent Martigny, a political science professor at the Ecole Polytechnique and University of Nice. (With inputs from agencies)

France elections: High turnout seen as expats cast vote in snap polls; far-right eyes historic win

A decade ago, he would spend hours playing video games on his mobile phone as a teenager. Now, he is well poised to take on the role of French prime minister. Jordan Bardella might be on his way to becoming the youngest PM of France, that too by a long way. His National Rally (RN) party, under the leadership of firebrand politician Marine Le Pen, is looking to emerge as the largest political party in French parliamentary elections that President Emmanuel Macron called after a crushing defeat in the European elections.

<h2>Who is Jordan Bardella?</h2>

Bardella, a hardcore right-wing leader, rose to fame through his anti-immigration rants. Having grown up in the banlieue of Seine-Saint-Denis, a Parisian suburb, Bardella says he has experienced firsthand the lawlessness that unchecked immigration has brought to France.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjR3NOtwYOHAxWPbGwGHTPKCH0QxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-elections-voters-to-cast-ballots-in-snap-polls-as-far-right-seeks-historic-win-736445" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/france-elections-voters-to-cast-ballots-in-snap-polls-as-far-right-seeks-historic-win-736445&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjR3NOtwYOHAxWPbGwGHTPKCH0QxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE">France elections: Voters cast ballots in snap polls as far right seeks historic win</a>

“I have seen these lost areas of the French Republic become conquests of Islamism,” he said during a rally in 2022. “I have felt, like you and like millions of French citizens, the pain of becoming a foreigner in your own country.”

Bardella was born to parents of Italian origin and his father ran a drinks distribution business. He joined the RN in 2012 at 16. He later dropped out of an undergraduate course before shifting full-time to politics.

At the age of 21, he was appointed as party spokesperson by Marine Le Pen. In 2019, he was put in charge of heading the party’s list at the European elections, which the RN won.

<h2>Popular among young voters</h2>

With 1.3 million followers on social media network TikTok, Bardella's connect with young voters is definitely an asset to the party. He presents a softer version of 55-year-old Le Pen and her father's 'radical' and sometimes 'racist' ideas and appeals better to a balanced electorate.

Watch:&nbsp;France Snap Elections: Three major political blocs in the fray

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According to observers, his clean reputation may work wonders for the performance of his party in the upcoming elections.

“His name is not Le Pen, he never got into any controversy and was very cautious about what he was saying,” Sebastien Maillard, associate fellow at Chatham House, was quoted as saying by Al Jazeera.

(With inputs from agencies)

A decade ago, he would spend hours playing video games on his mobile phone as a teenager. Now, he is well poised to take on the role of French prime minister. Jordan Bardella might be on his way to becoming the youngest PM of France, that too by a long way.

A decade ago, he would spend hours playing video games on his mobile phone as a teenager. Now, he is well poised to take on the role of French prime minister. Jordan Bardella might be on his way to becoming the youngest PM of France, that too by a long way. His National Rally (RN) party, under the leadership of firebrand politician Marine Le Pen, is looking to emerge as the largest political party in French parliamentary elections that President Emmanuel Macron called after a crushing defeat in the European elections. Who is Jordan Bardella? Bardella, a hardcore right-wing leader, rose to fame through his anti-immigration rants. Having grown up in the banlieue of Seine-Saint-Denis, a Parisian suburb, Bardella says he has experienced firsthand the lawlessness that unchecked immigration has brought to France. Also read: France elections: Voters cast ballots in snap polls as far right seeks historic win “I have seen these lost areas of the French Republic become conquests of Islamism,” he said during a rally in 2022. “I have felt, like you and like millions of French citizens, the pain of becoming a foreigner in your own country.” Bardella was born to parents of Italian origin and his father ran a drinks distribution business. He joined the RN in 2012 at 16. He later dropped out of an undergraduate course before shifting full-time to politics. At the age of 21, he was appointed as party spokesperson by Marine Le Pen. In 2019, he was put in charge of heading the party’s list at the European elections, which the RN won. Popular among young voters With 1.3 million followers on social media network TikTok, Bardella's connect with young voters is definitely an asset to the party. He presents a softer version of 55-year-old Le Pen and her father's 'radical' and sometimes 'racist' ideas and appeals better to a balanced electorate. Watch: France Snap Elections: Three major political blocs in the fray × According to observers, his clean reputation may work wonders for the performance of his party in the upcoming elections. “His name is not Le Pen, he never got into any controversy and was very cautious about what he was saying,” Sebastien Maillard, associate fellow at Chatham House, was quoted as saying by Al Jazeera. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Jordan Bardella, Marine Le Pen's protégé eying French PM seat?

Iran recorded a historically low turnout in the snap presidential election, as only 40 per cent of more than 61 million eligible citizens voted. This was a new low in the election since the country’s 1979 revolution.

Iran recorded a historically low turnout in the snap presidential election, as only 40 per cent of more than 61 million eligible citizens voted. This was a new low in the election since the country’s 1979 revolution. Now, the snap election is heading into a run-off on July 5 between Massoud Pezeshkian and hardliner Saeed Jalili. Neither of the two candidates secured more than 50 per cent of votes needed to win Friday's election. On Saturday (June 29), Iranian citizens said that more people might vote in the presidential run-off. Opinions of citizens Speaking to the news agency Reuters, a retired teacher who chose to remain anonymous said, "I feel like that this (the presidential run-off) could push people who did not come (to vote in the first round) to come this time. The number was low this time (for the first round)." Also read | Iran's interior minister speaks to WION on voter turnout expectations and preparations in second round Another citizen, who also wished to keep their identity anonymous said, "Forty per cent is low because the number of people who could vote is about 60 million, so looking at the numbers, 40 per cent participation is a medium rate." A third citizen expressed concerns that participation would not be any higher in the run-off. Pezeshkian ahead of Jalili by over 10 million votes Friday's election to replace Ebrahim Raisi after his death in a helicopter crash came down to a tight race between low-profile lawmaker Massoud Pezeshkian, the sole moderate in a field of four candidates, and former Revolutionary Guards member Saeed Jalili. Also watch | Iran to hold run-off election between reformist Pezeshkian and hardliner Jalili × According to the interior ministry, Pezeshkian was leading with over 10 million votes ahead of Jalili with over 9.4 million votes. But neither of the two secured more than 50 per cent of votes. Power in Iran ultimately lies with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, so the result will not herald any major policy shift on Iran's nuclear programme or its support for militia groups across the Middle East. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran presidential election: Some citizens say more people may vote in July 5 presidential run-off

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