REUTERS

As polls closed, projections showed La Republique en Marche (Republic on the Move) set to win more than 400 seats in the 577-seat National Assembly, the BBC reported.

Mr. Macron's party was established just over a year ago and many candidates have little or no political experience.

The second round of the vote is held next Sunday.

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Forecasts by two polling organizations gave LREM well over 30% of first round votes.

But turnout was low, which analysts said reflected a sense of resignation among Mr. Macron's opponents.

Read alsoMacron says Minsk agreements only way to resolving Donbas crisisPollsters forecast the centre-right Republicans would win 20.9%; the far-right National Front 13.1%; and the Socialists with a grouping of left-wing parties 9%.

Mr. Macron, 39, needs a majority to push through the changes that he promised in his campaign.

After the projections were announced, a government spokesman said voters had shown they wanted to move fast on major reforms.

The two established parties – the Republicans and the Socialists – both failed to reach the presidential run-off last month for the first time in France's post-war history.

The Socialists risk losing not only their current majority but also most of their seats.

Those standing for LREM come from all walks of life and include students, retired citizens and a bullfighter.