http://montrealgazette.com/storyline/tension-in-france-as-expat-voting-begins-ahead-of-sundays-election
The French Consulate says more than 57,000 French nationals were registered to vote in the Montreal area, and officials were expecting about 30,000 people to vote, but by midday one official on site estimated that they would surpass that figure.
“We are really eager to participate,” said Dorschner said, adding it was the most important election in the history of the Fifth Republic (France since 1958). “We are confronted with political visions that are totally different. We have real candidates who really want to change things, unfortunately not always in the best ways.”
Dorschner was one of several who said he was motivated to block the extreme right, which has been gaining popularity in the country in recent years.
Marine Le Pen, the head of the anti-immigration Front National, is said to be among the top candidates, according to polls conducted in France.
Dorschner said there is nothing new with Le Pen’s message, as the Front National has existed for decades and has had a similar message throughout its existence.
“I have confidence in my country,” he said. “I think it is impossible that half the country wants to see the Front National in power, but that’s why I think a lot of people are here today, to avoid this catastrophic scenario.”