PARIS, June 12(ABC): French voters cast their ballots on Sunday in the first of two rounds that will decide whether President Emmanuel Macron gets a working majority in parliament or ends up without the support needed to drive through his reform agenda.
Less than two months after re-election, Macron faces a strong challenge from a united left-wing bloc that polls show could deprive the president of an outright majority even if it does not take control of parliament.
Government insiders expect a relatively poor showing in Sunday s first round for Macron s coalition “Ensemble”, with record numbers of voters seen abstaining. Hard-left firebrand Jean-Luc Melenchon s bloc hopes to capitalise on anger over the rising cost of living.
“I voted for hope… so not for our current president,” said Michel Giboz, 71, after voting for Melechon s NUPES bloc at the poll station located in the 18th Parisian district s town hall.
