Paris: President Emmanuel Macron has announced snap parliamentary elections following a significant victory for Marine Le Pen’s National Rally in the European Parliament vote. Exit polls indicate that the far-right party secured 32% of the vote, more than double the share of Macron’s Renaissance party.
In a televised address from the Élysée Palace, Macron declared the dissolution of parliament. In a video address released on social media shortly after 21:00 CET, Macron explained that after consultations provided for in Article 12 of the Constitution, he decided to let voters choose their parliamentary future. The two rounds of voting will take place on 30 June and 7 July, ahead of the Paris Olympics.
Macron acknowledged the public sentiment and the need for a clear majority. He expressed concern about the far-right’s progress across Europe and the need for a new popular consultation. He stated that the EU election outcome is not favourable for pro-European parties.
Currently, Macron lacks a majority in the French parliament. Despite the European vote having no direct impact on national politics, he decided that continuing without fresh elections would be untenable. This move opens the possibility for National Rally to gain more power.
Marine Le Pen, who has been defeated twice by Macron in presidential elections, responded swiftly, stating that her party is ready to exercise power and end mass immigration. The call for snap elections is a bold and risky strategy for Macron. He could have continued without addressing the far-right’s victory or relied on events like the European football championship and the Paris Olympics to distract public attention from politics.
However, Macron seems to have anticipated this scenario and prepared his response. The election results closely mirrored the exit polls, giving Macron time to consider his options. Without a parliamentary majority, passing legislation, including the upcoming budget, would be highly challenging. By calling for new elections, Macron seeks clarity, allowing National Rally the chance to govern if they secure enough votes.
Macron’s Renaissance party and other political factions will now gear up for the elections on 30 June and 7 July. While Macron hopes for a resurgence, the odds currently favour another strong showing for National Rally, potentially leading to a significant shift in French politics, with Marine Le Pen or Jordan Bardella becoming Prime Minister.
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