French President Emmanuel Macron appears on television screen at the French far-right National Rally party election night headquarters, Sunday, June 9, 2024 in Paris. French President Emanuel Macron dissolves National Assembly and calls new legislative election after defeat in EU vote (AP Photo/Lewis Joly)
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced a snap legislative election following his party’s loss in the European Parliament elections. The decision comes as a surprise to many, as Macron’s party, La République En Marche (LREM), had been expected to perform well in the elections.
The European Parliament elections saw a surge in support for populist and nationalist parties across Europe, with Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally party coming out on top in France. LREM, on the other hand, suffered a significant defeat, winning just 22% of the vote compared to National Rally’s 24%.
In a statement following the election results, Macron acknowledged the need for change and announced his decision to dissolve the French National Assembly and call for a snap legislative election. He stated that the election would give the French people the opportunity to express their views on the direction of the country and his government’s policies.
The decision to call for a snap election is seen as a bold move by Macron, who has faced criticism for his handling of domestic issues such as the Yellow Vest protests and economic reforms. Many see it as a risky gamble, as it could potentially backfire and lead to further losses for LREM.
However, Macron is known for his willingness to take risks and shake up the political landscape. By calling for a snap election, he is hoping to regain momentum and consolidate his power in the National Assembly. It remains to be seen whether this move will pay off or if it will further weaken Macron’s position in French politics.
The snap legislative election is set to take place in the coming months, with LREM facing tough competition from both the far-right National Rally party and traditional parties on the left. The outcome of the election will have far-reaching implications for Macron’s presidency and the future of French politics.
