It's the Brian Lair show on WNYC.

Good morning again, everyone.

I'm Bridget Bergen in for Brian today.

In France and Britain, two major elections happening this week are poised to overturn current long-term ruling parties in both countries.

In the UK, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, head of the Conservative Party, will square off against his Labour Party opponent, Kier Starmor, in an election tomorrow, July 4th.

And in France, President Emmanuel Macron

has called for a snap election of his country's National Assembly. The first round, which took

place last Sunday, put the far-right national rally, led by Marine Le Pen, in first-placed.

President Macron's party, the more centrist ensemble alliance, came in third

place behind the left-wing New Popular Front Coalition. Since no party got a clear majority,

the country is now headed to a runoff election that will take place this coming Sunday. The

elections in both countries could signify a turning

point for the longstanding political parties who have held power over their countries for years.

The Washington Post says the UK's conservatives face, quote, an extinction level event after 14 years

in power, while Politico Europe is reporting on the machinations of

opposing parties in France, including candidates, bowing out of races in an attempt to block

Le Pen from winning an outright majority. Joining us now to break down the latest on both

elections and what's at stake are two journalists from the economist. They are Paris

Bureau Chief, Sophie Petter, and Britain editor Andrew Palmer. Sophie and Andrew, welcome to WNYC.

Hello. Thanks very much. And listeners, we're going to open the phones for those people with

ties to either France or the United Kingdom.

Help us report the story.

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