France sets presidential election for April

Paris, Jul 13 (EFE).- France’s presidential elections will take place in April next year, government spokesman Gabriel Attal announced on Tuesday.

Attal said at the Council of Ministers that the first round of the vote is scheduled April 10, while the runoff will be two weeks later, on April 24.

In overseas territories such as Guadeloupe and Martinique, eligible voters will cast their ballots a day earlier in each round due to the time difference.

Legislative elections will take place on June 12 and 19, respectively.

The authorities are going to put in place surveillance and protection services against threats of foreign interference and information manipulation.

“Attempts of digital destabilization are serious and have to be treated with the greatest attention, particularly in the election year,” Attal explained.

Although there is no list of candidates yet, opinion polls suggest that the second round of the presidential elections would see incumbent Emmanuel Macron take on far-right leader Marine Le Pen.

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