France, July 1 -- The government chose the later timetable over an earlier option of 11 and 25 April after consultations between the Interior Ministry and political parties, with school holidays among the factors behind the decision.

President Emmanuel Macron made the final choice, with the decision countersigned by the government.

France's constitution requires the first round to be held between 20 and 35 days before the end of the sitting president's term. As Macron's second mandate ends on 14 May 2027, the first round had to fall between 9 and 24 April.

Both rounds will overlap with France's spring school holidays, but the government chose the later timetable because fewer regions will still be on holiday for the runoff on 2 May. Of...