France sets dates for presidential elections

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.

-Reuters