France sets presidential election dates

PARIS, July 01 (Reuters): 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.