French President Emmanuel Macron signs documents in front of the media to promulgate a new labor bill in his office at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, Friday, Sept. 22, 2017. Macron has signed Friday five decrees paving the way to the implementation of labor measures aimed at boosting growth, his first major reform since his election. (Philippe Wojazer/Pool Photo via AP)
The Associated Press
PARIS (AP) - French President Emmanuel Macron's unconventional political party is fighting to make its mark on the Senate in elections for half the seats in the upper house.
But the results of Sunday's voting are likely to reflect mounting disenchantment with Macron's leadership. His centrist Republic on the Move! party won a large majority in the lower house of parliament in June elections, but is unlikely to do the same in the Senate.
Polls suggest the conservative Republicans party will consolidate its dominance of the chamber's 348 seats instead. Macron's party will need alliances in the Senate to approve his business-friendly economic reforms.
The senators are not chosen by the public but by some 75,000 elected officials casting ballots in town halls across the country. Results are expected Sunday night.
Supporters of French far-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon are gathered on Republique square to listen their leader during a protest over the president's labor reform, in Paris, France, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017. Melenchon rallied disaffected voters Saturday against President Emmanuel Macron's plan to weaken worker protections, amid spreading discontent with Macron's vision of a more business-friendly economy. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)
The Associated Press
Supporters of French far-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon are gathered on Republique square to listen their leader during a protest over the president's labor reform, in Paris, France, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017. Melenchon rallied disaffected voters Saturday against President Emmanuel Macron's plan to weaken worker protections, amid spreading discontent with Macron's vision of a more business-friendly economy. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)
The Associated Press