• Voting under way in French second-round parliamentary election.
• Surge in support for left-wing alliance threatens President Emmanuel Macron’s hopes.
• He is facing challenge from NUPES led by former Socialist Jean-Luc Melenchon.

The French president is hoping for an outright majority in order to push through tough reforms.

In France, voting for the high-stakes second-round parliamentary election has begun; with a surge in support for the left-wing alliance putting President Emmanuel Macron’s hopes for an outright majority in jeopardy.

Turnout was slightly higher than in last week’s first-round election, at nearly 19 percent by midday; according to interior ministry figures, though forecasters predict participation will remain below 50 percent; by the time all polling stations close at 8 p.m. (18:00 GMT).

Read More: Macron will face a challenging battle for parliamentary control

Macron is up against NUPES, a new left-wing alliance led by Jean-Luc Melenchon, a former Socialist.

As rampant inflation drives up the cost of living and sends shockwaves through the French political landscape; the revitalised left is fighting back.
With about 26% of the vote in the first round of voting last Sunday, the two sides were neck and neck.

The initial field of candidates in nearly all 577 constituencies has been whittled down; to two contestants who will face off in the second round.

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