The elections are one of several that see the French head to the polls (les urnes) over the coming years.
The graphic below shows the expected date for the upcoming elections in all the main categories.
In all cases save for European elections to return MEPs (that run based on European rules), French elections have two dates, usually one or two weeks apart.
If no candidate receives an absolute majority of votes in the first round (at least 50% of all votes cast), a second round is held, with fewer candidates taking part.
The exact number of candidates depends on the election taking place, and is usually based on a percentage threshold that must be reached in the first round – or for the presidential election, the top two candidates from the first round.
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Note that specific dates are only given a few weeks in advance through the convocation des électeurs, but the months are always known based on previous election dates.
Some election cycles were disrupted by Covid-19, leading to prolonged periods between the first and second round, or longer mandates.
It is almost certain that legislative elections for new MPs will be called before 2029, most likely after the election of a new president in 2027.
Legislative elections are usually held a few months after the presidential election, with MPs elected separately from the president.
However, President Emmanuel Macron called a snap election in June 2024, disrupting the usual electoral cycle alignment.
The outcome of the 2024 election – roughly a three-way tie between a far-left/left bloc, centrist/right-wing bloc, and far-right bloc – has led to persistent deadlock.
The new president in 2027 is expected to call for new elections both to resynchronise the cycles and attempt to gain a majority for their party in the Assemblée nationale.
Presidents have the power to dissolve parliament and call elections, but must wait at least one year after the previous legislative elections before doing so.
