Key facts
- French presidential elections are scheduled for April 18 and May 2.
- President Emmanuel Macron's current term concludes on May 13.
- Emmanuel Macron is constitutionally barred from seeking a third consecutive term.
- Potential candidates include former prime ministers Edouard Philippe and Gabriel Attal, and Jean-Luc Mélenchon.
- The National Rally party has not yet decided between Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella as their candidate.
French voters are set to elect a new president on April 18 and May 2 of next year, according to two anonymous government officials. The official announcement is expected following a cabinet meeting. These dates were chosen to align with constitutional requirements and fall close to May 13, when President Emmanuel Macron's second term concludes. Macron is constitutionally prohibited from seeking a third consecutive term, opening the door for numerous candidates. Among the notable contenders are former prime ministers Edouard Philippe and Gabriel Attal, as well as radical left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon. The National Rally party faces a decision on whether Marine Le Pen or Jordan Bardella will represent them, contingent on a court's ruling regarding Le Pen's conviction and ban from public office.