France votes in parliament elections with fate of Macron’s ideas at stake

President's centrists face challenge from historic leftwing alliance, while far right aims for greater visibility

France has begun voting in the first round of parliament elections key to Emmanuel Macron's second term, determining his capacity to deliver domestic policy such as raising the retirement age and overhauling the benefits system.

Macron, who was re-elected president in April against the far right's Marine Le Pen, needs a majority for his centrist grouping in the lower house of parliament to have a free hand for his proposals to cut taxes and make changes to the welfare system.