The traditional right, led by the Republicans, retains a large majority in the upper house of parliament. But in Sunday's election - where half of the 348 seats were at stake - the far-right National Coalition party is estimated to have won 14 seats.
Then, for the first time, the party and its allies will be allowed to form their own group in the Senate, which will give them more speaking time and funding. "A major milestone," party leader and presidential candidate Marine Le Pen wrote on social media.
It is not French voters who vote in Senate elections, but indirect elections in which elected local politicians cast the votes. In parliament, the lower house, the National Assembly, has the final say on legislation, but the Senate can submit its own proposals and amendments.
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