Macron France Snapshot labeled parliamentary elections of a far right national rally. In the recent EU elections, the party emerged victorious.
The latter suffered an awful failure after Macron’s centrist coalition got only 15.2% of votes compared to National Rally’s 33%.
Macron said that this was a “serious and heavy choice” but it had to be made in order to secure confidence in French democracy and give voice to French people. He is deeply alarmed by how far-right groups are increasingly gaining ground on the continent as he stated, “I cannot behave like nothing happened,” following historic rally outcomes across the country.
Polls leading up to 2024 Olympics
This early election would determine France’s political landscape just a month before it hosts the 2024 Olympics during meetings set for June 30th and July 7th.
On Monday, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo said she was ‘shocked’ when she heard about Macron’s decision that she described as ‘disturbing’. “Like many, I was shocked to hear the President’s decision to disband… It is indeed extremely disturbing to make such a move on the eve of the Olympics.”
In view of his party lacking majority seats in French parliament, Macron’s step carries great risks. The victory of national rally can lead Marine Le Pen Or Jordan Bardella becoming prime minister.
Jordan Bardella, front-runner for National Rally, called on Macron on Thursday evening for fresh elections saying that French voters have “expressed their desire for change.” Marine Le Pen welcomed the decision and said her party was “ready to take power if the French people have confidence in us”.
Possible consequences of an early election for Macron
Early polls may have major implications for Macron’s standing in politics.
Risk losing majority stake: His Ennahda party currently holds no majority status within France parliament. Early voting could exacerbate this situation which might undermine his remaining presidency period and give more chance to Marine Le Pen’s National Party.
Possibility of Macron and Le Pen living together: In case the RN becomes the biggest party in parliament but fails to get a majority, it would mean that Macron and Le Pen may have to cooperate with each other thereby forming a cohabitation government.
Popularity decline: This can be seen from May’s 31% approval rating. A snap election could reduce this support if his party performs poorly.
Presidency Impact: Macrons’ dissolution of parliament for early elections was viewed as an attempt to evade being a “lame duck” president. However, poor performance by his party might hinder him from governing effectively in the remaining years of his term that ends in 2027.
New challenges for Macron: The election could bring new challenges for Macron including a censure motion and possibility of government collapsing. He needs to address these issues while responding to those concerns raised by French citizens as well as rising far right nationalism.
Ultimately, snap elections pose significant threats for Macron due to possible loss of power, decline in popularity and fresh challenges facing French governance.
