The latest happenings in France or Updates from France - Macron scrapping parliament and calling for fresh balloting.
Following the loss of his moderate stance in the European elections, French President Emmanuel Macron disbands the French National Assembly. The President announced fresh polls to be held in two stages - June 30th and July 7th. Clarity and respect for the French people appear to be necessary, states Macron.
He noted, "I can't simply continue as if nothing's happened at the end of this day." Macron emphasized his faith in the capability of the French citizens to make the best decisions for themselves and their future generations.
Right-Wing Rassemblement Nation Dominates
The far-right party Rassemblement National - headed by Marine Le Pen - has secured a decisive victory in the French European elections, as per initial results. The Euroskeptic party has supposedly garnered between 31.5 and 32.3% of the votes, while Macron's pro-EU Camp is estimated to have acquired 15.2 to 15.4%. The Socialists ranked third, claiming 14 to 14.2% of the votes. Far-right group Reconquête allegedly received 5.3 to 5.5% of the votes.
The French center-ground had been struggling since losing its absolute majority in the National Assembly approximately two years ago. Governing has been challenging thereafter for Macron. The EU elections defeat constitutes a severe setback for Macron. As France prepares for the upcoming presidential election in 2027, focus has already shifted towards his potential successors.
Macron's Barrier for a Third Term
The French President, a two-time winner over the right-wing rival Le Pen, will not be permitted to vie for office again after completing two terms. It's currently uncertain who the center forces will nominate and whether they stand a chance against Le Pen. Le Pen's daughter has revamped the conservative RN's image in recent years, making it suitable even for the mainstream right.
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- The European elections resulted in a significant victory for the far-right Rassemblement National in France, with Marine Le Pen leading the charge.
- As a result of his poor performance in the European elections, Emmanuel Macron has decided to dissolve the French National Assembly and call for new elections on June 30th and July 7th.
- Macron's move to call for new elections follows his realization that he cannot continue as president without facing the consequences of his EU election loss.
- Meanwhile, Emmanuel Macron, who won his second term against Marine Le Pen in 2017, will not be able to run for a third term as president due to French constitutional limits.
- Marine Le Pen's political party, Rassemblement National, has gained popularity in recent years, with her daughter revamping the party's image to appeal to mainstream right-wing voters.
- The poor showing of Emmanuel Macron's pro-EU camp in the European elections has raised questions about his future and the potential for a shift in power in French politics, with the focus already turning towards the 2027 presidential election.
