The chances of him retaining the absolute majority are slim, which means he would have to negotiate with his coalition partners for every bill he'd want to pass in the parliament.
The first round of polls is projected to produce a run-off rematch between incumbent Emmanuel Macron and far-right leader Marine Le Pen that could be far tighter than their duel five years ago.
Here is a look at all the hopefuls — from Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo to ruralist Jean Lassalle — and the frontrunners Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen.
The vote bodes a grim future, not only for Muslims and minorities but also for French society as a whole.
Eric Zemmour, who will run for president in April election, says, "I don't want to hear the muezzin's voice in France, and if I become president, I won't."
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