France votes in parliamentary elections amid concerns over abstention levels

Paris, June 19 (EFE).- (Camera: Carmen Muela Morales) The voter turnout is once again in the spotlight of the second round of the French legislative elections which are being held on Sunday, after the record level of abstention in the first round, which reached 52.49%.

FOOTAGE OF A POLLING STATION ON SUNDAY IN PARIS.

SOUNDBITES OF VOTERS:

-BERNARD, 57 YEARS OLD, COMMUNICATIONS WORKER:

"I vote since I am old enough to do so. It is a right that we got after a lot of struggle. I believe that the legislative elections are more important, if possible than the presidential ones because they are the ones that will later decide the conduct of the government and the laws. It is extremely important to vote. I hope many people do so."

"I think the same thing will happen as with the results of the first round, (they will be) quite even. Personally, I would like there to be a relative majority that can balance democratic and parliamentary life in France.

-ÉLISE, 50 YEARS OLD, WHO WORKS AT THE CITY HALL OF THE 3RD DISTRICT OF PARIS:

"We have to be there, know and say what we think and put the ballot in the ballot box, whatever it may be."

"I can't tell you to vote. That is your vote, your choice. For me, coming to vote is a duty."

-CRO, INSURANCE AGENT, 60 YEARS OLD:

"I have come to vote because in the political area it seems to me that the future in France is not bright at all, the extremes are the ones that come first. It is very serious for politics, the extreme left and the extreme right."

"The extremes win, NUPES and the National Association, it is very dangerous for politics. Extremes bring chaos."