This is Brian Lair's Daily Politics podcast from WNYC Studios.

It's Wednesday, July 3rd.

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 Starmour,

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's

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,

in 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.

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