The European Parliament results, revealed by exit polls on Sunday, were disappointing for Macron’s government, prompting him to address the nation and declare the need for fresh elections.
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced the dissolution of parliament and the calling of new legislative elections following a significant defeat for his alliance in the European elections to Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally (RN) party.
The European Parliament results, revealed by exit polls on Sunday, were disappointing for Macron’s government, prompting him to address the nation and declare the need for fresh elections. The lower house elections are scheduled for June 30, with a second-round vote set for July 7.
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“This is an essential time for clarification,” Macron stated. “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.”
Highlighting the rise of far-right parties across the continent, Macron expressed his refusal to accept this trend. Le Pen’s National Rally, now under the leadership of 28-year-old Jordan Bardella, secured approximately 32 percent of the vote, surpassing Macron’s ticket, which garnered 15 percent. The Socialists closely followed with 14 percent.
Le Pen’s strong performance, marking a 10-point increase from the last European Union election in 2019, threatens Macron’s grip on power three years before the end of his final term. It could also lead to significant defections from his centrist faction as the competition to succeed him intensifies.
“We are ready to take over power if the French give us their trust in the upcoming national elections,” Le Pen declared at a rally following Macron’s unexpected announcement.
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Le Pen and Bardella positioned the EU election as a mid-term assessment of Macron’s leadership, capitalizing on dissatisfaction with immigration, crime, and a two-year inflation crisis.
The European elections represent a pivotal moment for France, as Emmanuel Macron is ineligible to run for president again in 2027. Le Pen, a prominent RN figurehead, sees this as her best opportunity to capture the Elysee Palace.
Jaques Reland from the Global Policy Institute described the situation in France as “a rampant mess.” He commented on Macron’s decision, labeling it a risky gamble.
“The European election was used as a way for the French to vent…to say they are not satisfied on issues like immigration, cuts in unemployment benefits,” he noted. However, Reland acknowledged that Macron projects a positive image of France and Europe on the international stage.