President Emmanuel Macron dissolved his government and called for a snap parliamentary election following a decisive defeat by Marine Le Pen’s far-right party in the European Union vote, as reported by The Guardian.
The decision has sent shockwaves through France, causing significant political upheaval and presenting the far-right with a potential path to substantial political power.
Acknowledging the sobering EU election results, Macron, 46, announced that lower house elections would be held on June 30, with a second-round vote scheduled for July 7. The outcome of these elections could drastically alter the French political landscape. Should Le Pen’s National Rally (RN) party secure a parliamentary majority, Macron’s influence over domestic affairs would be severely diminished.
“This is an essential time for clarification,” Macron declared in a televised address to the nation. “I have heard your message, your concerns, and I will not leave them unanswered. France needs a clear majority to act in serenity and harmony.”
Led by the charismatic 28-year-old Jordan Bardella, the RN garnered approximately 32% of the vote in Sunday’s election, more than double the 15% secured by Macron’s ticket, according to exit polls. The Socialists closely trailed Macron with 14%, Reuters reported.
Despite winning re-election in 2022, Macron’s current term, which runs until the spring of 2027, bars him from standing again.
Bardella, emboldened by the projections, was the first to call for snap legislative elections, proclaiming to supporters that French voters had “expressed a desire for change.” He added, “The country has given its verdict and there is no appeal.”
Le Pen, widely considered the frontrunner for the 2027 presidential election, welcomed Macron’s decision. “We are ready to take over power if the French give us their trust in the upcoming national elections,” she stated at a rally.
Currently, Macron’s Renaissance party holds 169 seats in the lower house, out of a total of 577. The RN has 88 seats. If the RN achieves a majority, Macron would maintain control over defense and foreign policy but would lose his grip on the domestic agenda, which includes critical areas such as economic policy and security.
The forthcoming elections are set to be a crucial test for both Macron and the far-right, potentially reshaping the future of French politics.
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