In a significant political move, French President Emmanuel Macron has announced the dissolution of the National Assembly and the calling of early legislative elections for the end of this month. This decision comes after his party suffered a severe defeat in the recent European Parliament elections.
During an address to the nation from the Elysée presidential palace, Macron said: "I have decided to return to you the election of our future parliamentarian through the vote. I therefore dissolve the National Assembly." The elections will be held in two rounds, on June 30 and July 7.
The move comes against a backdrop of growing discontent and political challenges. France's first projected results in the European Union parliamentary elections put the far-right party, National Rally (Rassemblement National), in the lead, overtaking Macron's pro-European centrists. This surprising victory for the RN was confirmed by his main candidate, Jordan Bardella, who in his victory speech urged Macron to reconsider his policies and call new legislative elections.
Bardella declared: "The President cannot remain deaf to the message sent tonight by the French people. First of all, he must abandon the agenda he was preparing to implement: the deindexation of retirement pensions and the new increase in pension prices. energy starting this summer. Furthermore, he requested that Macron take note of the new political situation and return to the French people to organize new legislative elections.
In his response, Macron highlighted the dangers of the rise of nationalists and demagogues, stating that "it is a threat not only to our nation, but also to Europe and France's place in the world." The unprecedented defeat of the current government marks a turning point in French politics, signaling the end of a cycle and the possible beginning of a post-Macron era.
With the call of these early elections, France is preparing for a month of intense political campaigns and debates, while citizens prepare to decide the country's parliamentary future.