France has set the first round of its 2027 presidential election for April 18, with a runoff scheduled for May 2, according to the government’s electoral timetable.

The vote will mark the end of President Emmanuel Macron’s second term, as he is not eligible to run again under France’s two-term constitutional limit.

Under French electoral law, presidential elections are held within a fixed window before the end of the incumbent’s mandate, with a second round required if no candidate wins an absolute majority in the first round.

Early attention is already focused on potential contenders from across the political spectrum.

Far-right National Rally (RN) leader Jordan Bardella is among the figures widely seen as a frontrunner, while Marine Le Pen’s political future remains uncertain pending an appeal against her conviction and possible ban from holding public office.

On the centrist and conservative side, former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe and current political figures such as Gabriel Attal are expected to play key roles in shaping the race. On the left, Jean-Luc Mélenchon is also expected to remain a major contender.

Macron’s departure after two consecutive terms is expected to open one of France’s most competitive and politically fragmented presidential races in years, with parties across the political spectrum already positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 vote.

The election is likely to be closely watched across Europe as France prepares for a potential shift in domestic policy direction and its role within the European Union.(ILKHA)