France's 2027 presidential election date criticised by right wing

Politicians are contesting the dates selected for the 2027 presidential election, with right-wing parties saying the dates favour the left.

The first round of voting is set for April 18, with the second round falling on May 2 – the day after France's annual May 1 Labour Day celebrations, when trade union demonstrations often take place nationwide.

For this reason, some politicians say it will be difficult to respect the period of electoral silence (période de réserve électorale), which bans parties from campaigning the day before a vote until polling stations close.

Bruno Retailleau, leader of Les Républicains (LR), said he was “angry” and “totally opposed” to the decision, which he believes could influence voters since May Day marches are traditionally left-coded.

“This choice is not a neutral one,” he said during an interview on Europe 1 on July 1. 

The Rassemblement National (RN) also typically holds a Fête de la Nation on May 1 and often organises a big meeting attended by party leaders and supporters. 

Government cites constitutional and school holiday constraints

In response to the criticism, government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon said the dates were subject to constitutional constraints which require the vote to take place between 20 and 35 days before the end of Emmanuel Macron’s presidential term on May 14.

The government must also consider overlaps with school holidays, dates of which differ across France, to limit negative impacts on voter turnout.

An initial proposal of April 11 and 25 coincided with spring holidays in Zone A (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté and Nouvelle-Aquitaine) and were too far from Mr Macron’s final day in office. 

The selected dates (April 18 and May 2) coincide with Zone B (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur and northern regions) holidays. 

In 2022, the presidential election took place on April 10 and 24.

“We could have chosen other dates, which probably would have also been criticised,” said Ms Bregeon during a press conference.

“I realise that it is never going to suit everyone perfectly, but I think we need to put this into perspective. There are going to be months and months of campaigning during which [candidates] will be able to set out their visions, and the French people will base their decision on that.

“Let’s have faith in the intelligence of the French people.”

Le Pen in the lead

RN leader Marine Le Pen is currently predicted to win the highest portion (36%) of election votes, according to a July Ifop-Fiducial poll based on a sample of 984 voters over the age of 18.

She confirmed her candidacy in July after a Paris appeals court reduced her 2025 ban on running for public office after embezzling €2.8million of EU funds alongside colleagues.

It will be Ms Le Pen’s fourth successive presidential campaign.

“In two weeks, she has gained four percentage points in voting intentions, demonstrating a significant impact regarding the announcement and clarification for RN supporters,” said Ifop.

According to Ifop, Ms Le Pen would be ahead of her main rivals – Edouard Philippe (Horizons), Gabriel Attal (Renaissance), and Jean-Luc Mélenchon (LFI).

“In the second round of voting, Marine Le Pen would win in every scenario tested,” said Ifop. 

Some left-wing politicians and supporters are organising petitions and protests aiming to cancel increasingly controversial ‘banquets’ hosted by Le Canon Français – a company linked to the promotion of far-right, nationalist ideals and partly financed by conservative billionaire Pierre-Edouard Stérin. 

Around 100 of these gatherings, costing €79.99 to attend, have taken place across France “to promote local French cuisine and heritage” over the last few years, with more planned in the coming months.

Some 300 people protested in front of the mairie in Périgueux (Dordogne) on June 30 for the cancellation of a Canon Français gathering set to take place in the city from October 23-25. The event was initially planned over two nights; however, an extra date was added due to popular demand.