Macron dissolves French Parliament, calls snap elections after far-right triumph in EU vote

France’s President Emmanuel Macron has dissolved the National Assembly and called a snap election following a shocking exit poll result in the European parliamentary elections. The poll indicated that his Renaissance party was decisively defeated by the far-right National Rally (RN) party.

Initial projections showed that RN led with 31.5% of the vote, more than double the share of Renaissance, which secured 15.2%, narrowly ahead of the Socialists at 14.3%.

The European parliamentary elections are held every five years to elect Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from all 27 EU member states.

This year, approximately 373 million Europeans were eligible to vote, electing a total of 720 representatives to the European Parliament. The elections are significant as they shape the legislative and policy direction of the European Union.

France, as one of the major EU member states, holds a substantial number of seats in the European Parliament. For the 2024 elections, France was allocated 81 seats out of the 720. These seats are distributed among the various French political parties based on their performance in the national vote.

RN leader Jordan Bardella, celebrating the exit poll results, urged Macron to dissolve parliament, calling the outcome a “stinging disavowal” for the president. “This unprecedented defeat for the current government marks the end of a cycle, and Day 1 of the post-Macron era,” Bardella declared to an enthusiastic crowd at RN’s headquarters.

In a swift response, Macron addressed the nation, announcing the dissolution of the French lower house and the scheduling of parliamentary elections.

The first round is set for 30 June, with a second round on 7 July. “I have decided to give you back the choice of your parliamentary future by voting. I am therefore dissolving the National Assembly this evening,” Macron announced in his shocking address.

“This decision is serious, heavy. But it is above all, an act of trust. Trust in you, my dear compatriots. In the capacity of the French people to make the most just decision,” he added.

J’ai dissous ce soir l’Assemblée nationale. Une décision grave, lourde, mais avant tout un acte de confiance en vous, mes chers compatriotes. pic.twitter.com/EFeVCDzrlb

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) June 9, 2024

National Rally led by Marine Le Pen won approximately 32% of the European Parliament vote in France, a 10-point increase from the last election in 2019, more than double the less than 15% garnered by Macron’s pro-European Renaissance party.

Macron acknowledged the setback, stating, “I cannot pretend nothing had happened.” He admitted the EU election results were “no good” for his government and warned of the danger posed by the “rise of nationalists” to France and Europe.

Jordan Bardella described Macron as a “weakened president” following the results. Speaking at the Elysee Palace, Macron reiterated, “I’ve decided to give you back the choice of our parliamentary future through the vote. I am therefore dissolving the National Assembly.”

He emphasized the need for a clear majority to govern effectively. “France needs a clear majority in order to act with serenity and harmony,” Macron said. He also committed to addressing the public’s concerns, stating, “I have heard your message, your concerns, and I will not leave them unanswered.”

In the last parliamentary elections in 2022, Macron’s Renaissance party, part of the Ensemble coalition, failed to secure an overall majority and had to seek support from other parties.

Marine Le Pen welcomed Macron’s decision to hold elections, expressing her party’s readiness to assume power. “We are ready to take over power if the French give us their trust in the upcoming national elections,” Le Pen stated.

She pledged to “put the country back on its feet,” defend the interests of the French people, and end mass immigration.

Le président de la République vient d'annoncer la dissolution de l'Assemblée nationale dans quelques semaines. Nous y sommes prêts.

J’appelle les Français à venir nous rejoindre pour former autour du RN une majorité au service de la seule cause qui guide nos pas : la France. pic.twitter.com/o08IMlowk8

— Marine Le Pen (@MLP_officiel) June 9, 2024

French political scientist Dominique Moisi remarked to Sky News that Macron’s decision was a “total surprise,” especially given the timing before the Olympic Games and shortly after the commemoration of D-Day.

“Macron appears to be playing poker and is taking huge risks with the political future of his country,” Moisi said.