French President Emmanuel Macron’s Renew party suffered a major defeat in the European elections, securing just 15.2% of the votes compared to the far-right National Rally’s 31.5%. Following this loss, Macron announced the dissolution of the national assembly in a video address on social media, giving the French people the opportunity to vote for their parliamentary future. The RN’s lead candidate, Jordan Bardella, called for Macron to abandon his planned policies and organize new legislative elections in response to the election results. Macron described the rise of nationalists and demagogues as a threat to France and Europe and emphasized the importance of the upcoming national vote.
The snap elections, scheduled for June 30 and July 7, are a significant decision for Macron, who lost his absolute majority in the national assembly after being re-elected in 2022. His Renew party only secured 169 seats out of 577, with other centrist allies contributing an additional 81 seats. The RN, led by Marine Le Pen, was the second-largest formation in the assembly with 88 seats. Macron’s approval rating stood at 31% in May, despite a slight increase from the previous month, while his Prime Minister Gabriel Attal’s rating improved to 45%. The political landscape in France has shifted dramatically, with the far-right RN and other parties ready to make their mark in the upcoming elections.
Marine Le Pen, the president of the RN’s group in the national assembly, expressed readiness to exercise power if the French people show confidence in the party during the legislative elections. She emphasized priorities such as ending mass immigration, improving the purchasing power of French citizens, and reindustrializing the country. Jordan Bardella, another key figure in the RN, stood beside Le Pen during her speech to supporters, highlighting the party’s readiness to revive France. Jean-Luc Melenchon, leader of France Unbowed, also welcomed Macron’s decision to call for snap elections, criticizing the president’s policies and expressing a need for change.
The defeat of Macron’s Renew party in the European elections marked the end of a cycle and the beginning of a new era in French politics. With the far-right RN emerging as a dominant force, Macron’s decision to dissolve the national assembly and call for snap elections reflects the turbulent political climate in the country. The upcoming vote is seen as a crucial opportunity for the French people to shape the future of their nation and choose a path that aligns with their values and aspirations. Macron’s response to the election results underscores the importance of listening to the will of the people and upholding democratic principles in times of political upheaval.
