French President Emmanuel Macron has dissolved the country’s parliament and called for snap legislative elections after his party suffered a significant defeat in the European parliamentary elections.
Gatekeepers News reports that according to provisional results, Macron’s Renaissance Party secured 15.2% of the votes, while the far-right National Rally (RN) party gathered 31.5%.
In a video address, Macron said, “I have decided to give you back the choice of our parliamentary future by voting… I have heard your message, and I will not let it go without a response.” He added, “France needs a clear majority in serenity and harmony… I cannot resign myself to the far-right’s progress everywhere on the continent.”
The snap elections will be held in two rounds, on June 30 and July 7. If Macron’s party loses the majority, he would be forced to name someone from the opposition as prime minister, relinquishing his power to set domestic policy.
Marine Le Pen, leader of the RN party, welcomed Macron’s call for new elections, saying, “We are ready to take over power if the French give us their trust in the upcoming national elections.” Macron expressed optimism that the French would make the “right decision” in the polls.
The move is seen as a strategic decision by Macron to avoid governing without a clear majority, which could lead to political instability. The outcome of the elections will determine the balance of power in the national assembly and the direction of France’s domestic policy.
