04:22French citizens expressed uncertainty about the possible outcome of the parliamentary elections as the second round began in Paris on Sunday.
"I think there's a lot of uncertainty. I think we're heading for a situation where a big division is expected," said one voter. "I don't see any party getting away with a majority, and I think there will be a need for a coalition, whether it's one party or another on one side or the other".
According to the French Interior Ministry, turnout at 12:00 local time (11:00 GMT) was 26.63 per cent, compared to 18.99 per cent for the 2022 election.
"We're in a situation where, apart from a complete clash, I can't think of anyone who could inspire the society to get back on its feet," shared one of the voters. "I don't know. I'm sad today. Very sad, because I have the impression that it's part of a general atmosphere. In Europe, in the United States, ultimately, there is no one who seems to me to be able to restore confidence and enthusiasm".
"It's unfortunate that this was anticipated like this," explained another voter. "But at the end, you have to deal with it, you have to adapt, and so I'm adapting, and here's hoping that it won't be too bad for the country because that's what I'm interested in".
Preliminary results are expected by 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT) after all polling stations close, with official results likely to be announced late on Sunday or Monday.
In the first round, the nationalist National Rally (NR) party led with 33.15 per cent of the vote, followed by the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) with 27.99 per cent. President Emmanuel Macron's Ensemble alliance came third with 20.76 per cent.
President Macron called the snap legislative vote following huge losses for his Renaissance party in the EU Parliament elections, which saw a massive surge for National Rally. The next election was not expected until 2027.
Across the bloc, conservative, nationalist and anti-immigration groups also made significant gains. Many called for a focus on domestic priorities amid the soaring cost of living, as well as lower taxes, better border security and an end to foreign military interventions, such as in Ukraine.
France's election is held over two rounds, on June 30 and July 7, electing all 577 members of the National Assembly. Macron has not held a majority in parliament since 2022 and has used executive powers to pass legislation like his pension reforms, which have seen massive protests.
'Big division's expected' - French grapple with 'uncertainty' as second round of elections begins
French citizens expressed uncertainty about the possible outcome of the parliamentary elections as the second round began in Paris on Sunday.
"I think there's a lot of uncertainty. I think we're heading for a situation where a big division is expected," said one voter. "I don't see any party getting away with a majority, and I think there will be a need for a coalition, whether it's one party or another on one side or the other".
According to the French Interior Ministry, turnout at 12:00 local time (11:00 GMT) was 26.63 per cent, compared to 18.99 per cent for the 2022 election.
"We're in a situation where, apart from a complete clash, I can't think of anyone who could inspire the society to get back on its feet," shared one of the voters. "I don't know. I'm sad today. Very sad, because I have the impression that it's part of a general atmosphere. In Europe, in the United States, ultimately, there is no one who seems to me to be able to restore confidence and enthusiasm".
"It's unfortunate that this was anticipated like this," explained another voter. "But at the end, you have to deal with it, you have to adapt, and so I'm adapting, and here's hoping that it won't be too bad for the country because that's what I'm interested in".
Preliminary results are expected by 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT) after all polling stations close, with official results likely to be announced late on Sunday or Monday.
In the first round, the nationalist National Rally (NR) party led with 33.15 per cent of the vote, followed by the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) with 27.99 per cent. President Emmanuel Macron's Ensemble alliance came third with 20.76 per cent.
President Macron called the snap legislative vote following huge losses for his Renaissance party in the EU Parliament elections, which saw a massive surge for National Rally. The next election was not expected until 2027.
Across the bloc, conservative, nationalist and anti-immigration groups also made significant gains. Many called for a focus on domestic priorities amid the soaring cost of living, as well as lower taxes, better border security and an end to foreign military interventions, such as in Ukraine.
France's election is held over two rounds, on June 30 and July 7, electing all 577 members of the National Assembly. Macron has not held a majority in parliament since 2022 and has used executive powers to pass legislation like his pension reforms, which have seen massive protests.
French citizens expressed uncertainty about the possible outcome of the parliamentary elections as the second round began in Paris on Sunday.
"I think there's a lot of uncertainty. I think we're heading for a situation where a big division is expected," said one voter. "I don't see any party getting away with a majority, and I think there will be a need for a coalition, whether it's one party or another on one side or the other".
According to the French Interior Ministry, turnout at 12:00 local time (11:00 GMT) was 26.63 per cent, compared to 18.99 per cent for the 2022 election.
"We're in a situation where, apart from a complete clash, I can't think of anyone who could inspire the society to get back on its feet," shared one of the voters. "I don't know. I'm sad today. Very sad, because I have the impression that it's part of a general atmosphere. In Europe, in the United States, ultimately, there is no one who seems to me to be able to restore confidence and enthusiasm".
"It's unfortunate that this was anticipated like this," explained another voter. "But at the end, you have to deal with it, you have to adapt, and so I'm adapting, and here's hoping that it won't be too bad for the country because that's what I'm interested in".
Preliminary results are expected by 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT) after all polling stations close, with official results likely to be announced late on Sunday or Monday.
In the first round, the nationalist National Rally (NR) party led with 33.15 per cent of the vote, followed by the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) with 27.99 per cent. President Emmanuel Macron's Ensemble alliance came third with 20.76 per cent.
President Macron called the snap legislative vote following huge losses for his Renaissance party in the EU Parliament elections, which saw a massive surge for National Rally. The next election was not expected until 2027.
Across the bloc, conservative, nationalist and anti-immigration groups also made significant gains. Many called for a focus on domestic priorities amid the soaring cost of living, as well as lower taxes, better border security and an end to foreign military interventions, such as in Ukraine.
France's election is held over two rounds, on June 30 and July 7, electing all 577 members of the National Assembly. Macron has not held a majority in parliament since 2022 and has used executive powers to pass legislation like his pension reforms, which have seen massive protests.