NEW DELHI: France has called for snap parliamentary elections in response to the far-right National Rally party’s victory in the recent European Union elections.
President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist coalition suffered a heavy defeat, securing just 15.2% of the votes compared to the National Rally’s 33%.
Macron described the decision as “serious and heavy” but necessary to maintain faith in France’s democracy and give the French people a voice.He expressed deep concern over the progress of far-right parties across Europe and said he “cannot act as if nothing had happened” after the National Rally’s historic result.
Polls right before 2024 OlympicsThe snap elections, scheduled for June 30 and July 7, will determine the political landscape of France just a month before it is set to host the 2024 Olympics.
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo on Monday said she had been “stunned” to hear Macron’s decision, describing it as “unsettling”. “Like a lot of people I was stunned to hear the president decide to do a dissolution … such a move just before the Games, it’s really something that is extremely unsettling.”
Macron’s move represents a significant risk, as his party currently lacks a majority in the French parliament. A National Rally victory could potentially lead to Marine Le Pen or Jordan Bardella becoming Prime Minister.
Jordan Bardella, the National Rally’s lead candidate, had urged Macron to call for snap elections, stating that French voters had “expressed a desire for change”. Marine Le Pen welcomed the decision, saying her party is “ready to take power if the French people have confidence in us”.
How snap polls could impact MacronThe snap elections could have significant implications for Macron’s political future.
- Risk of losing majority: Macron’s Renew party currently lacks a majority in the French parliament. The snap elections could lead to further losses, potentially hobbling the remainder of his presidential term and handing Marine Le Pen’s RN party more power.
- Potential for Macron-Le Pen cohabitation: If the RN emerges as the largest party in parliament but does not secure a majority, it could lead to a situation where Macron and Le Pen would need to work together, potentially creating a cohabitation government.
- Decline in popularity: Macron’s popularity is already in decline, with his approval rating at 31% in May. The snap elections could further erode his support if his party performs poorly.
- Impact on presidential term: Macron’s decision to dissolve the parliament and call snap elections is seen as a gamble to avoid a “lame duck” status. However, if his party performs poorly, it could lead to a situation where he is unable to effectively govern for the remainder of his term, which ends in 2027.
- New challenges for Macron: The elections will likely create new challenges for Macron, including the possibility of censure motions and the collapse of his government. He will need to navigate these challenges while also addressing the concerns of the French people and the rise of the far-right.
Overall, the snap elections represent a significant risk for Macron, as they could lead to a loss of power, a decline in popularity, and new challenges in governing France.
(With inputs from agencies)