May 13th was the official start of the elections for the European parliament. France has 79 seats available and 34 lists are to contest the vote. Each main party has presented a list of 79 candidates, divided equally between men and women. The major political parties have all chosen a "tete de liste" who is not the party leader, but who due to the electoral system is likely to win a seat.
But what about the people who are number 79 on the list? These candidates would only get a seat if that list received 100% of the vote - something we might have seen under Stalin, but not here today.
Many will see any place on a list as a first step up the party hierarchy so welcome their inclusion, but recognise that only a miracle (or disaster) will see them elected this time.
Currently polls show the RN (former FN) (24%) marginally ahead of LREM (Macron's party) (21%) with various smaller parties sharing the vote - including the once powerful Parti Socialiste (6%) and Les Republicans (Sarkozy's party) (14%). La France Insoumise (LFI) led by J-L Melenchon is credited with 9%, the leading left wing party and the green party 7%. There are several so-called gilet jaune lists though none appear to have in excess of 1% support.
The election here in France will be on Sunday 26th May.
