Overview
- The French government confirmed the election dates on Wednesday and said a decree will be presented to the Council of Ministers to formalize them.
- Spokeswoman Maud Bregeon said the dates were chosen after cabinet consultations and by respecting constitutional timing limits for a presidential handover.
- Emmanuel Macron is constitutionally ineligible to seek a third consecutive term, ensuring a wide, open contest for the Élysée.
- Marine Le Pen’s place on the ballot is uncertain because the Paris appeals court will rule on July 7 in a case that could disqualify her and prompt the RN to name a replacement.
- Several centre-right, conservative and left figures are already being discussed as potential candidates and some critics have raised logistical and political concerns about holding the runoff the day after the May Day holiday.