Voting has commenced in France's snap parliamentary elections that could see Marine Le Pen's far-right party form government in an historic first. LBTQIA protestors expressed concern for their safety if the National Rally party wins.

Paris

Polls have opened for the French snap election, which will determine the country's next Prime Minister. The election has raised concerns among some citizens about the potential rise of the far-right National Rally Party, led by Marine Le Pen. In Paris, a parade celebrating the LGBTIQA+ community highlighted fears regarding access to healthcare and personal safety under a potential National Rally-led government.

The French vote will be conducted in two rounds, with President Emmanuel Macron remaining in office regardless of the outcome. The Prime Minister will be chosen from the party that gains a majority in the National Assembly. Jordan Bardella, the 28-year-old leader of the National Rally, is a potential candidate for Prime Minister. Concerns about political inexperience and credibility have been voiced amid the election.

Protests have been held in the French capital, with demonstrators opposing a right-wing surge. Environmental issues were also raised, with concerns about the water quality of the River Seine ahead of the upcoming Olympics. The river has failed water quality tests, posing potential risks for open water swimming and triathlon events.



Potential win for far-right party in France snap election

Down Parisian streets they dance, a celebration of the country's LGBTIQA plus community. As the drums of change also grow louder, France could be on the verge of voting to power the far-right National Rally Party, and that has many extremely worried. We are afraid of our access to healthcare, for our everyday safety in the streets. We know that we will be far less protected, this parade-goer said. Such is the concern in the capital, these revellers carry cans of transparent varnish as they march. In case we get attacked, to protect ourselves, this student said. Marine Le Pen's National Rally, or RN Party, is known for its ultra-conservative policies, including its anti-immigration stance. I've called the government asking can I apply for citizenship now because I have no idea what's going to happen with the next elections. The French vote will be conducted in two rounds. No matter the result, Emmanuel Macron will remain president, but the Prime Minister will be chosen from whichever party gains majority in the National Assembly. Macron's tip? That will be 28-year-old National Rally leader, Jordan Bardella. The fact that not very seasoned and experienced leaders can be considered as possible prime ministers says something about the credibility of the political class as a whole. Final attempts to stop a right-wing swing were made by protesters under the Eiffel Tower. Let's clean France, they cried. And let's wash off the RN. Also in need of cleaning is the River Seine. One month out from the Olympics, it continues to fail water quality tests, a concern for open water swimming and triathlon competitors. Samara Gardner for 10 News First.

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