President Macron Calls Snap Parliamentary Elections After Defeat in EU Vote
In a surprising move, President Emmanuel Macron has announced snap parliamentary elections following a significant victory for his rival Marine Le Pen’s National Rally in the European Parliament vote. Exit polls indicate that the far-right party is set to win 32% of the vote, more than double the support for Macron’s Renaissance party.
The decision to dissolve parliament and hold two rounds of voting on June 30 and July 7 came shortly after the European election results were announced. Macron, in a televised address from the Élysée Palace, acknowledged the message from French voters and emphasized the need for a clear majority in the country.
With Macron already lacking a majority in parliament, the European election results highlighted the challenges he faces in governing effectively. The call for snap elections is seen as a bold move by the president, who could have chosen to continue without seeking a new popular mandate.
Marine Le Pen, who has twice been defeated by Macron in presidential elections, wasted no time in responding to the announcement. She expressed readiness to exercise power and address issues such as mass immigration if her party were to come to power.
The upcoming parliamentary elections are expected to be a closely watched event, with Macron’s Renaissance party hoping to make a comeback and other parties vying for support. However, the odds currently favor National Rally, raising the possibility of a significant shift in the political landscape of France.
As the country prepares for the elections, the outcome remains uncertain, with the potential for a Prime Minister Marine Le Pen or Jordan Bardella leading the government. Macron’s decision to call for snap elections reflects the challenges and uncertainties facing the political landscape in France.
