Paris, France – French nationals abroad began voting early in Montreal, Canada on Sunday for the first round of the French legislative elections, marking a pivotal moment in modern French political history. With the far-right National Rally (RN) led by Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella leading in the polls, France faces a potentially historic shift in power.

Over 2.6 million French voters out of the 49 million electorate have registered to vote by proxy, indicating a high expected turnout for this crucial election. The two-round election process will determine most of the National Assembly’s 577 seats, with the final round taking place the following Sunday.

The National Rally’s swift campaign focused on immigration, security, and tax cuts to address the cost-of-living crisis has resonated with voters. If successful, Jordan Bardella could become RN’s first prime minister, but only if the party secures an absolute majority of 289 seats to avoid a hung parliament and potential stalemate.

As the election results unfold, RN’s opponents will need to strategize their support to prevent RN from achieving that majority. The run-off battles across France may pit RN against a left-wing alliance called the New Popular Front, which hopes to secure victory in the election.

Despite efforts by RN to shed its extremist image, critics remain wary of the party’s policies, such as abolishing automatic French citizenship for children born to foreign parents. The political landscape in France has been further complicated by President Macron’s decision to call for the early election, facing backlash from both allies and opponents.

The divisive nature of the campaign has sparked intense debates across the country, with concerns about potential violence after the election. President Macron’s alliance seeks to block both extreme right and left-wing ideologies, emphasizing the need for a centrist approach to governance.

With the future of French politics at a crossroads, voters must decide between competing visions for the country’s direction. The outcome of the election will not only shape France’s domestic policies but also have significant implications for its global standing.