The French government has officially set the dates for the upcoming presidential election. Government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon announced following a cabinet meeting that the first round of voting will take place on April 18, 2027, with a run-off scheduled for May 2 if no candidate secures a majority.
President Emmanuel Macron will not be eligible to run for office again, having served two consecutive terms. As he prepares to leave office, the election is widely viewed as a pivotal test for Marine Le Pen and the far-right National Rally.
Some candidates have already criticized the schedule, noting that the dates coincide with a heavy holiday season. However, the government has stated that the dates were chosen to ensure compliance with the French constitution.