With less than half of the French turning up to vote, there could still be a surprise in the second round next Sunday provided more people turn up. While the traditional center-right block of Les Republicains and UDI is seen at 80 to 100 seats (down from 226 now), the Socialist Party falls back to 30-40 seats from 284. The Socialist Party had opted for a more radically left policy by preferring Benoit Hamon as candidate in the presidential elections over former Prime Minister Manuel Valls. It will need to make up its mind whether it wants to remain a small opposition party or reconquer executive power. FN and other right-wing parties could form a small Patriotic front to try to stop immigration flows and further European integration.

Source: Forbes June 12, 2017 06:22 UTC