In a dramatic response to his party’s significant losses in the European Parliament elections, French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Sunday that he would dissolve the National Assembly and call for an early legislative election. Addressing the nation from the Elysee Palace, Macron declared, “I’ve decided to give you back the choice of our parliamentary future through the vote. I am therefore dissolving the National Assembly.” The elections are scheduled to occur in two stages, on June 30 and July 7.
This decision follows the initial results from France’s participation in the European Union’s parliamentary election, which saw Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally party taking a commanding lead over Macron’s centrist Renew party. The outcome poses a significant political gamble for Macron, potentially leading to further setbacks that could impair his presidency, which is set to continue until 2027.
In his victory speech in Paris, Jordan Bardella, the 28-year-old lead candidate for the National Rally, adopted a notably presidential demeanor, beginning with, “My dear compatriots,” and stating, “the French people have given their verdict, and it’s final.”
Acknowledging the electoral defeat, Macron expressed his receptiveness to public sentiment: “I’ve heard your message, your concerns, and I won’t leave them unanswered,” he affirmed. His decision to call a snap election further emphasizes his commitment to democratic principles.
Macron wasn’t just defeated. He was humiliated to the point of dissolving the parliament and calling for an election.
The French people are tired of mass immigration and seeing their country overtaken by foreigners. pic.twitter.com/PSlvxJAmd8
— Klaus Arminius (@Klaus_Arminius) June 9, 2024
The European Parliament elections, held across 27 EU nations over four days, represent the world’s second-largest democratic exercise, following closely behind India’s elections. The rise of far-right parties, as evidenced by the results, was more pronounced than many experts had anticipated. In France, the National Rally secured around 30% of the vote, doubling the projections for Macron’s Renew party, which hovered around 15%.
