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France local elections: Far right expects run-off gains France local elections: Far right expects run-off gains
(about 5 hours later)
French voters are going to the polls in the second round of local elections, expected to result in significant gains for the far-right National Front (FN). French voters have gone to the polls in the second round of local elections, expected to result in significant gains for the far-right National Front (FN).
The party - which won an outright victory in the northern town of Henin-Beaumont in the first round - could seize a number of towns and cities.The party - which won an outright victory in the northern town of Henin-Beaumont in the first round - could seize a number of towns and cities.
The centre-right is also expected to do well and may regain control of Paris.The centre-right is also expected to do well and may regain control of Paris.
The governing socialists, which have been hit by growing discontent over the economy, are braced for losses. The governing Socialists, who have been hit by growing discontent over the economy, are braced for losses.
Correspondents say the FN's successes - and last week's lowest-ever turnout in French municipal elections - have highlighted the unpopularity of President Francois Hollande. The polls have already closed in some areas of France, although in some cities voting will continue until 20:00 (18:00 GMT)
Turnout in Sunday's vote was low, which was bad news for President Francois Hollande's Socialists as it was their supporters who were not voting, BBC Paris correspondent Hugh Schofield reports.
The FN's success in the first round had already highlighted Mr Hollande's poor ratings.
The centre-right UMP appear poised to capture a number of large cities, including Strasbourg and Toulouse.The centre-right UMP appear poised to capture a number of large cities, including Strasbourg and Toulouse.
In Paris, which has had a Socialist mayor since 2001, UMP candidate Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet is mounting a stronger-than-expected challenge.In Paris, which has had a Socialist mayor since 2001, UMP candidate Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet is mounting a stronger-than-expected challenge.
Voters are choosing councillors and mayors in more than 36,000 municipalities. FN candidates have won through to the second round in some 200 places.Voters are choosing councillors and mayors in more than 36,000 municipalities. FN candidates have won through to the second round in some 200 places.
An anti-EU party demanding tough curbs on immigration, the FN took a first-round lead in southern cities including Avignon, Perpignan, Beziers and Frejus. It was also in second place in Marseille.An anti-EU party demanding tough curbs on immigration, the FN took a first-round lead in southern cities including Avignon, Perpignan, Beziers and Frejus. It was also in second place in Marseille.
Marine Le Pen, FN leader since 2011, hailed the results, saying her party had "arrived as a major independent force - a political force at both national and local level".Marine Le Pen, FN leader since 2011, hailed the results, saying her party had "arrived as a major independent force - a political force at both national and local level".
The FN is widely expected to do well in the European Parliament elections in May - and opinion polls suggest the Eurosceptic party is on course to come top.The FN is widely expected to do well in the European Parliament elections in May - and opinion polls suggest the Eurosceptic party is on course to come top.