Overview

• François Bayrou detailed a return to an integral departmental proportional system, mirroring the 1986 model, after consultations with political parties that began on April 30.
• Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau declared he would refuse to defend the reform in parliament and warned he might resign rather than carry the bill.
• Les Républicains have tabled a constitutional amendment to lock in the current two-round majoritarian voting system to block any shift to proportional representation.
• Coalition partners Horizons and Renaissance also oppose the change, while the National Rally signals it could accept the 1986 model with a majority bonus.
• Party consultations continue with Greens, La France Insoumise and the Socialist Party ahead of a draft bill expected in the autumn, but deep divisions leave its fate uncertain.