Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, France, June 9, 2024. REUTERS/Hannah McKay/Pool
French President Emmanuel Macron caused a significant political stir on Sunday by announcing snap legislative elections for later this month, following a decisive defeat in the European Union elections to Marine Le Pen’s far-right party. This unexpected decision marks a considerable gamble for Macron’s political career, as his presidency has three years remaining. A parliamentary majority for Le Pen’s National Rally (RN) party would effectively marginalize Macron in domestic governance.
Macron acknowledged the gravity of the EU election results, stating they were unfavorable for his administration and could not be overlooked. In a national address, less than two months before Paris hosts the Olympics, he declared that lower house elections would take place on June 30, with a second round on July 7.
“This is an essential time for clarification,” Macron stated. “I have heard your message, your concerns, and I will not leave them unanswered. France needs a clear majority to act in serenity and harmony.” The RN, led by the charismatic 28-year-old Jordan Bardella, secured approximately 32% of the vote in Sunday’s election, more than double Macron’s ticket, which garnered 15%, according to initial exit polls. The Socialist party trailed closely behind Macron with 14%.
Le Pen, the leading candidate for the 2027 election, in which Macron is ineligible to run, welcomed the president’s decision. “We are ready to take over power if the French give us their trust in the upcoming national elections,” she proclaimed at a rally.
Macron’s advisers indicated that the president decided on this course of action after the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, where he encountered citizens expressing frustration with the persistent political discord in parliament. Le Pen and Bardella framed the EU election as a mid-term referendum on Macron’s presidency, capitalizing on public dissatisfaction with issues such as immigration, crime, and a two-year inflation crisis.
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