France's conservative party, The Republicans, was projected to win the most votes in the first round of regional elections on Sunday, according to three polling agencies, reports Deutsche Welle.
In second place was Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally (RN), which has been repositioning itself as a more mainstream political force less than a year out from the country's presidential election.
Sunday's vote was marked by a record low turnout. It was being held to pick assemblies for mainland France's 13 regions and 96 departments.
Unless parties win over 50% in the first round, a runoff will be held on June 27. Only parties that garner 10% of ballots will advance to that crucial second vote.
After a challenging year with lockdowns and restrictions, French president Emmanuel Macron is in a precarious situation. His party, the Republic on the Move (LREM), was not projected to win any of the 13 regions.
Le Pen's party was expected to win at least one region, propelling her into the national spotlight with her new, softened image. While she was not a candidate in these elections, she has campaigned as the face of the party.