France sets presidential election dates

France will hold the first round of its next presidential election on April 18, ‌2027, ⁠with ⁠a run-off set for May 2, the government spokeswoman, Maud Bregeon, said on Wednesday following a cabinet ⁠meeting to ‌officially approve the dates.

The ⁠race to succeed President Emmanuel ​Macron - who cannot run ​again after two terms - is shaping up as a fragmented contest, ‌with polls placing the far-right National ​Rally ​in ⁠a leading position, and a crowded field raising the ​prospect of a run-off dominated by political extremes.

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