Fearing a loss in the ongoing European elections, French President Emmanuel Macron has dissolved the country’s parliament and the National Assembly and immediately called a snap election after exit polls indicated his Renaissance party was set to be routed by the far-right opposition in European parliamentary elections on Sunday.
Not only in France, far-right parties made significant strides in the European Union parliamentary elections.
The rising far-right has delivered humiliating defeats to the parties of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron and Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer.
These results are significant, given that the far-right parties have primarily advocated for anti-immigration policies and anti-minority rhetoric. In contrast, the socialist parties have proposed proactive and stringent action plans to address the environmental crisis.
Keep in mind that European countries are facing economic discontent, Immigration and Identity Politics, Social Inequality, Anti-Establishment Sentiment, and political Polarisation, which is why EU politics is witnessing a sharp turnaround.
Meanwhile, in France, main opposition RN leader Jordan Bardella asked Macron to dissolve the French parliament, citing a “stinging disavowal” gap between the two parties after the result.
“This unprecedented defeat for the current government marks the end of a cycle and Day 1 of the post-Macron era,” he told reporters.
Soon after the exit polls were released, Macron dissolved the French National Assembly and announced new parliamentary elections.
This is only the second time a French president has dissolved parliament since 1997, which led to Jacques Chirac losing his majority and ushering the Socialists into power under Lionel Jospin.
The elections in France are supposed to be held on June 30, with round two on July 7.
Macron announced, “I have decided to give you back the choice of your parliamentary future by voting. I am, therefore, dissolving the National Assembly this evening.”
“This decision is serious and heavy. But it is, above all, an act of trust. Trust in you, my dear compatriots. In the capacity of the French people to make the most just decision,” he stated.
Under the French system, parliamentary elections elect the 577 members of the lower house, the National Assembly. Separate elections are held for the presidency, not scheduled again until 2027.
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