French President Emmanuel Macron made headlines on Sunday with his announcement to dissolve the country’s parliament and call for a new legislative nationwide vote following a heavy defeat at the EU elections. The surprising move came after exit polls showed Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally (RN) leading with 31.5% of the vote, compared to Macron’s Renaissance party with only 15.2%. This unexpected turn of events has put Macron’s leadership in question and prompted speculation about the future of French politics.
After Macron’s announcement, Marine Le Pen welcomed the news of a new election, expressing readiness for the upcoming challenge. The far-right RN party, led by Jordan Bardella, has made promises to “restore” order to France, close “radical” mosques, and address what they call the “migratory submergence.” Additionally, RN has pledged to reduce VAT on energy bills, invest in nuclear energy, and lower the retirement age to 60 for those who enter the workforce early. Despite formerly advocating for France’s exit from the EU and the euro, Le Pen has shifted her focus to appeal to a broader audience of voters.
By calling for a new parliamentary election, Macron is taking a considerable risk, as a victory for Le Pen’s RN could leave him with limited control over France’s domestic affairs. While Macron hopes to boost his party’s fortunes through this decision, analysts like Holger Schmieding from Berenberg Bank predict heavy losses for Macron’s party in the upcoming elections. The uncertainty surrounding the new election could also unsettle markets and pose challenges for France’s economic stability.
The EU elections saw a surge in support for populist and far-right parties across Europe, with RN being part of the Identity and Democracy group that made significant gains. While the center-right European People’s Party (EPP) is projected to maintain its lead in the parliamentary seats, the rise of far-right parties signals a shift in the political landscape of Europe. This trend has raised concerns about the future direction of the EU and the potential challenges it may face in the coming years.
As France prepares for a new legislative election, the spotlight is on how Macron and Le Pen will navigate the changing political climate. While the far-right’s victory in the EU elections has given them momentum, the road to the presidency in 2027 remains uncertain. The upcoming parliamentary elections will be a crucial battleground, determining the balance of power and shaping the future of French politics. The challenge for both Macron and Le Pen will be to mobilize their supporters, present a compelling vision for the country, and address the pressing issues facing France today. Only time will tell how this political saga unfolds and what it means for the future of French democracy.
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