PARIS (AP) — French voters around the world are casting ballots Sunday in the first round of an exceptional parliamentary election that could put France’s government in the hands of nationalist, far-right forces for the first time since the Nazi era.

The outcome of the two-round election, which will wrap up July 7, could impact European financial markets, Western support for Ukraine and how France’s nuclear arsenal and global military force are managed.

Many French voters are frustrated about inflation and economic concerns, as well as President Emmanuel Macron’s leadership, which they see as arrogant and out-of-touch with their lives. Marine Le Pen’s anti-immigration National Rally party has tapped and fueled that discontent, notably via online platforms like TikTok, and dominated all preelection opinion polls.

A new coalition on the left, the New Popular Front, is also posing a challenge to the pro-business Macron and his centrist alliance Together for the Republic.

After a blitz campaign marred by rising hate speech, voting began early in France’s overseas territories, and polling stations open in mainland France at 8 a.m. (0600 GMT) Sunday. The first polling projections are expected at 8 p.m. (1800 GMT), when the final polling stations close, and early official results are expected later Sunday night.

Macron called the early election after his party was trounced in the European Parliament election earlier in June by the National Rally, which has historic ties to racism and antisemitism and is hostile toward France’s Muslim community. It was an audacious gamble that French voters who were complacent about the European Union election would be jolted into turning out for moderate forces in a national election to keep the far right out of power.

Instead, polls suggest that the National Rally is gaining support and has a chance at winning a parliamentary majority. In that scenario, Macron would be expected to name 28-year-old National Rally President Jordan Bardella as prime minister in an awkward power-sharing system known as “cohabitation.”

While Macron has said he won’t step down before his presidential term expires in 2027, cohabitation would weaken him at home and on the world stage.

The results of the first round will give a picture of overall voter sentiment, but not necessarily of the overall makeup of the next National Assembly. Predictions are extremely difficult because of the complicated voting system, and because parties will work between the two rounds to make alliances in some constituencies or pull out of others.

In the past, such tactical maneuvers helped keep far-right candidates from power. But now, support for Le Pen’s party has spread deep and wide.

Bardella, who has no governing experience, says he would use the powers of prime minister to stop Macron from continuing to supply long-range weapons to Ukraine for the war with Russia. His party has historical ties to Russia.

The party has also questioned the right to citizenship for people born in France, and wants to curtail the rights of French citizens with dual nationality. Critics say this undermines fundamental human rights and is a threat to France’s democratic ideals.

Meanwhile, huge public spending promises by the National Rally and especially the left-wing coalition have shaken markets and ignited worries about France’s heavy debt, already criticized by EU watchdogs.

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Follow AP’s coverage of elections at https://apnews.com/hub/global-elections

The San Diego Padres are bringing back a former reliever on a minor league deal after being released by the Texas Rangers on Tuesday.

Nabil Crismatt began the season with the Los Angeles Dodgers appearing in five games, he announced his return to San Diego with a post on Instagram Friday.

“I’m very happy to announce I’m back with San Diego Padres,” Crismatt wrote. “Looking forward to this new chapter. See you all soon.”

Crismatt spent parts of three seasons with the Padres from 2021-23. During those three seasons, he made 102 appearances, sporting a 3.83 ERA in 159.2 innings. He recorded at least 45 appearances in 2021 and 2022 but struggled in 2023 en route to being DFA’d.

He appeared in one game with the Arizona Diamondbacks last year before signing with the Dodgers on a minor league deal before this season.

The Columbian right-hander sported a 2.57 earned run average with the Dodgers in seven innings before he was designated for assignment. Instead of accepting, he opted for free agency and signed a one-year deal with the Rangers. He didn’t appear in a major league game with Texas.

Perhaps, the Padres will get the 2022 version of Crismatt who had a 2.94 ERA in 50 appearances. He could also face the Dodgers when the two teams clash for a two-game set at the end of July.

Chihuahuas 10, Round Rock Express 0

Key Statistics: DH Tirso Ornelas, 1-for-5, R, HR (10), 4 RBI; LF Cal Mitchell, 2-for-4, 2 R; SS Mason McCoy, 2-for-4, R, 2B, RBI; C Chandler Seagle, 2-for-4, R, 2 RBI; RHP Sean Reynolds, 3 IP, H, BB, 4 K; RHP Kevin Kopps, IP, K; RHP Glenn Otto, 2 IP, 2 H, BB, 4 K; LHP Luke Westphal (W, 1-1) 2 IP, 2 K

Prospect Watch: The Chihuahuas used a 10-run attack to blow past the Express on the road. It was El Paso’s second shutout of the series and all four of their whitewashings for the year have come in the Round Rock. … The big hit Friday night came off the bat of Tirso Ornelas, who stroked a grand slam – his tenth homer of the year. The 24-year-old is doing his part to earn his first promotion to the big leagues. He has five homers in June to go with a fantastic .960 OPS. Overall, Ornelas has a solid wRC+ of 119 while sporting a career-best 16.6% K-rate. … Light-hitting catcher Chandler Seagle singled twice and drove in a pair of runs. With Brett Sullivan in San Diego, Seagle has seen an increase in playing time. His current .566 OPS is right on par with his career .564 mark. However, Seagle has played seven professional seasons because he’s a fantastic defensive catcher and an asset to any pitching staff. … The Chihuahuas used five pitchers to bullpen their way to victory. Sean Reynolds pitched the first three, allowing just one hit and one walk while striking out four. The former first baseman and current reliever has struggledin June, allowing at least two runs in four of his seven outings. While he’s 51 in 39.2 innings on the year, he continues to struggle with his command. He’s walked more than 15% of the batters he’s faced this year, in line with his performance since moving to the mound in 2021. … Lefty Luke Westphal followed Reynolds and pitched two innings to earn his first win in affiliated ball since 2022 when he was in his first stint in the Padres’ organization. The 35-year-old re-signed with the Padres earlier this month after a stint in Tijuana with the Toros. Westphal has not allowed a run in four of his six outings while notching 13 strikeouts in 13.1 innings this season. 

Roster Moves: Lefty Austin Davis had his contract purchased by the Padres, giving him a big league roster spot for the first time since 2022. The Padres signed Nabil Crismatt to a minor league deal and assigned him to El Paso. 

Missions 5, Midland RockHounds 3

Key Statistics: CF Ripken Reyes, 2-for-5, 2B; DH Brandon Valenzuela, 1-for-5; LF Cole Cummings, 2-for-3, R, 2B, BB, SB (7); SS Ray-Patrick Didder, 1-for-4, R, HR (6), 3 RBI; 2B Connor Hollis, 2-for-4, 2B, RBI; RHP Victor Lizarraga (W, 3-3) 6 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 7 K; RHP Ethan Routzahn (S, 2) IP, H, K

Victor Lizarraga delivers for the Missions. (Photo: Vashaun Newman)

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Prospect Watch: The Missions overcame a 3-0 deficit to win, clinching at least a series split heading into the weekend. … Shortstop Ray-Patrick Didder had the big hit of the game, smacking a go-ahead three-run homer with two outs in the fifth inning. The blast was Didder’s sixth of the year, keeping him on track to finish his third straight season with a double-digit total. The 29-year-old from Aruba has drawn 37 walks this year, giving him a solid .380 on-base percentage, despite hitting just .222. His .751 OPS is the best among Missions’ regulars. … Cole Cummings had a multi-hit effort with a double and a single. He also drew a walk and stole his seventh base for good measure. The 26-year-old has had a solid June, delivering an OPS of .800 with three homers. Cummings continues to punch out too much, as his 32% K-rate is the seventh-highest in the Texas League. Despite the strikeouts, Cummings has posted above-average offensive numbers in AA – an impressive feat for a former undrafted free agent. … Victor Lizarraga overcame some early struggles and notched a quality start to earn his third win of the season. The former Montgomery High hurler lasted six innings, allowing three runs on six hits, walking two, and striking out seven. The 20-year-old righty has gone at least six innings in three consecutive outings, punching out 23 batters in 18.2 innings. His 3.68 ERA is good for seventh in the Texas League, just behind teammate Jared Kollar.

Roster Moves: Righty Cole Paplham was moved to the 60-day injured list which will effectively end his season. He had appeared in just three games since coming off a previous stay on the IL. Miguel Cienfuegos was moved to San Antonio to take the open roster spot. 

Dayton Dragons 4, TinCaps 3

Key Statistics: CF Homer Bush, 1-for-3, 2 R, BB, SB (36), CS (6); DH Jay Beshears, 1-for-3, 2B, BB, RBI; RF Kai Murphy, 2-for-3, 2 2B, RBI; RHP Henry Baez, 7 IP, 2 H, ER, 7 K; RHP Tyler Morgan (L, 4-3) 2 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 2 K

Henry Baez has been dominant this month. (Photo: Jeff Nycz)

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Prospect Watch: The TinCaps led at two different points in this one but they allowed a pair of runs in the eighth and one more in the ninth to lose their fourth straight to Dayton at Parkview Field. … Kai Murphy was the only TinCap to tally two hits Friday night. The former ASU outfielder had a pair of doubles and drove in a run. Murphy, 23, has slumped in June, notching a .605 OPS after being above .700 during April and May, but he is tied for fourth in the Midwest League with 16 doubles. … Henry Baez turned in another magnificent start but got a hard-luck no-decision. Baez completed a season-high seven innings, allowing just one run on two hits. He struck out seven and didn’t walk a batter. The 20-year-old righty has been lights-out this month, allowing just one run in each of his four starts. Baez has pitched to a sparkling 1.59 ERA as opponents have managed only a .163 average against him in June. … After Baez departed, righty Tyler Morgan struggled down the stretch and took the loss. The Abilene Christian product threw two innings, allowing three runs on four hits. The former 14th-rounder has generally pitched well as a multi-inning reliever this season, pitching to a 3.40 ERA in 21 outings. 

Roster Moves: Tyler Robertson, who left the game on Thursday and was out for almost two weeks earlier this month, hit the IL. Hot-hitting Nick Vogt was promoted from Lake Elsinore and will add needed outfield depth. The Padres also sent versatile Addison Kopack out from the desert to bolster the offense while sending infielder Alain Camou back to Lake Elsinore.

Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 8, Storm 6

Key Statistics: CF Braedon Karpathios, 2-for-4, 2 R, BB; LF Jacob Campbell, 2-for-5, HR (6), 3 RBI; 1B Ethan Long, 2-for-5; DH Kaden Hollow, 2-for-4, R; C J.D. Gonzalez, 2-for-4, R, RBI; RHP Ian Koenig (L, 0-1) 2.2 IP, 8 H, 6 ER, 3 K; LHP Javier Chacon, 3.1 IP, 2 H, BB, 7 K 

Javier Chacon delivers for the Storm. (Photo: Robert Escalante)

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Prospect Watch: The Quakes jumped on Storm starter Ian Koenig in the third, scoring six runs to take a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. The Quakes win snapped their nine-game losing streak to Lake Elsinore. … Jacob Campbell, who has quietly been one of the hottest hitters in the Padres’ system, had a pair of hits, including his sixth homer of the year – a prodigious shot to left field. At 24, Campbell is a bit old for the Cal League but he’s taken advantage of his current opportunity. All six of Campbell’s homers have come in June and he’s hitting .284/.346/.622 this month. … Center fielder Braedon Karpathios had a pair of hits and drew a walk, hitting at the top of the Storm lineup. The 21-year-old has drawn his share of walks throughout his career and has started to hit the ball with more authority as he has matured. However, after a fantastic April, he’s struggled over the last two months but he’s showing signs of breaking out. Over his last five games, Karpathios has gone 7-for-19. … Catcher J.D. Gonzalez singled twice and scored a run. The 18-year-old has looked predictably overmatched at times, but he’s displaying tangible improvement as he gains experience in his maiden voyage in professional baseball. After hitting just .130 in May, Gonzalez has improved that mark to .245 in June. After striking out 25 times in 54 May at-bats, he’s struck out 10 times in 49 at-bats this month. … Lefty Javier Chacon pitched 3.1 shutout innings after Koenig departed and dominated the Quakes. He allowed just two hits, walked one, and struck out seven. The Cuba native has flourished in a move to the bullpen this season. Chacon appeared in seven games this month, pitching to a microscopic 0.56 ERA with 19 strikeouts in 16 innings.

ACL Diamondbacks 7, ACL Padres 2

Key Statistics: SS B.Y. Choi, 2-for-3, 2 R, 2B, BB; LF Colton Vincent, 2-for-4, 2B, RBI; RHP Abraham Parra (L, 0-3) 2.1 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 4 K; LHP Ruben Salinas, 2.1 IP, 4 H, ER, 3 K; RHP Zac Addkison, 3.1 IP, 4 H, ER, K

B.Y. Choi has shown surprising speed in his first year in the organization. (Photo: Jerry Espinoza)

Prospect Watch: The ACL D-backs scored five runs in the first three innings and cruised to a victory. … While the ACL Padres have struggled mightily in June, shortstop B.Y. Choi has been solid in his first full pro season. The 22-year-old shortstop had two hits, including a double and a walk. Choi has shown good power and solid tools in the desert this year. Overall, he’s delivered a .838 OPS. He could find himself in Lake Elsinore before the season is over. … Catcher/outfielder  Colton Vincent had a double and a single as part of a multi-hit night. The 24-year-old made brief appearances in Lake Elsinore and Fort Wayne this season but has spent the majority of the year in the desert. Vincent has hit over .300 in all three spots, including a .306 mark in the ACL in his second pro season. He signed with the Padres last season, after playing his college ball at Florida State. … Lefty Ruben Salinas followed starter Abraham Parra and pitched well. The former outfielder completed 2.1 innings and allowed a run on four hits, striking out three. The 21-year-old has built up slowly in the desert after undergoing Tommy John surgery last season shortly after converting to the mound. Overall, he’s pitched to a 4.41 for the ACL club this season.

Roster Moves: The Padres officially moved pitcher Henry Martinez and outfielder Donte Grant to the 60-day IL. They now have 20 players on either the 60-day or full-season IL, the maximum they are allowed. The club currently has 153 players on active domestic rosters as they approach the draft.