France has set the date for two rounds of its 2027 presidential election for April 18 and May 2, the government confirmed on Wednesday, a timetable that has drawn criticism from opposition politicians over the date of the runoff.

The second round will be held the day after France’s annual May Day labour demonstrations, which are traditionally marked by trade union marches across the country. That means May 1 will also fall within the mandatory pre-election silence period, when politicians and media are barred from campaigning in the final hours before voting.

Bruno Retailleau, leader of the conservative party Les Républicains (LR), called the choice “not neutral” on French radio Europe 1, arguing political messages from May Day rallies could influence voters on the eve of the decisive ballot. He accused the government of adopting a calendar that would benefit the left, an allegation the government rejected.

Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon on Wednesday said the dates were dictated by constitutional constraints and chosen after consultations with political parties. Macron’s presidential term ends on May 14 and the Constitution requires the election to be held 20 to 35 days before that deadline.

“I hear that it will never suit everyone perfectly, but there will be months of campaigning and candidates will have plenty of time to present their platforms,” Bergeon said in a press conference, adding that France was capable of managing May Day demonstrations before and after a presidential election.

The two rounds will also take place during the French spring school holiday period, when some voters may be away from their homes. While many are expected to vote by proxy, the timing could hit turnout, a potentially important factor in what is expected to be a fragmented first-round contest where relatively small shifts in participation could influence which candidates qualify for the runoff.

(bw)