French President Emmanuel Macron stunned the nation on Sunday by declaring that he would dissolve the parliament and initiate a new legislative vote following a significant defeat at the EU elections. The unexpected move came after exit polls indicated that Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally (Rassemblement National, or RN) was poised to secure around 31.5% of the vote, overshadowing Macron’s Renaissance party, which only garnered 15.2%.
In a televised address, Macron expressed his inability to ignore the election results, stating, “I will … not be able, at the end of this day, to act as if nothing had happened.” The upcoming parliamentary election is scheduled to commence on June 30, with the second round slated for July 7. Despite the risks involved in calling for a new election, Macron gambles the potential loss of control over France’s internal affairs if Le Pen’s RN secures a parliamentary majority.
Following Macron’s announcement, Le Pen welcomed the decision, affirming her party’s readiness for the upcoming election. Holger Schmieding, the chief economist at Berenberg Bank, voiced concerns about the uncertainty introduced by the snap elections, warning that it could unsettle markets amidst France’s fiscal challenges. With Jordan Bardella leading RN in Europe, the party’s campaign focuses on appealing to France’s youth by promising to restore order, close “radical” mosques, and address immigration issues.
Le Pen has adjusted her party’s platform by abandoning historic pledges to exit the EU and abandon the euro, instead opting to broaden her appeal to a wider range of voters. Despite the party’s nationalist and populist stance, Le Pen seeks to position herself as a viable presidential candidate in 2027, as indicated by a recent Ipsos poll where 32% expressed satisfaction with Bardella becoming president, surpassing Le Pen’s popularity.
The EU parliamentary elections witnessed a surge in support for populist and far-right parties, with the Identity and Democracy group, including RN, making considerable gains. Although the center-right European People’s Party (EPP) is projected to retain the majority of parliamentary seats, the rise of far-right factions signals a shifting political landscape in Europe.
Macron’s decision to dissolve the parliament and call for a new election reflects the growing influence of far-right parties in France and across the EU. The upcoming legislative vote poses significant challenges for Macron’s leadership and underscores the shifting dynamics in European politics. It remains to be seen how the French electorate will respond to the upcoming election and whether Le Pen’s RN will emerge as a dominant force in shaping the country’s future.
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