French Conservatives Maintain Senate Control as Far-Right Gains Ground

France's conservative Les Républicains party is set to maintain its dominance in the Senate following Sunday's elections, dealing another blow to President Emmanuel Macron's ruling party. The Senate, unlike the lower house, is not elected through direct universal suffrage but by an electoral college representing local officials. The results showed a trend of incumbent senators retaining their seats, with Les Républicains expected to remain the largest faction, followed by the Socialists. Macron's party has faced electoral setbacks in recent years, losing its majority in the National Assembly in 2022. The far-right National Rally also celebrated its return to the Senate, winning three seats.