Macron takes huge risk with surprise election

President Emmanuel Macron has called for snap parliamentary elections later this month following a significant victory for Marine Le Pen’s National Rally in the European Parliament vote. The far-right party is projected to win 32% of the vote, more than double that of Macron’s Renaissance party. In response, Macron announced the dissolution of parliament, with elections scheduled for June 30 and July 7, just weeks before the Paris Olympics.

In a televised address from the Élysée Palace, Macron acknowledged the voters’ message and emphasised the need for “a clear majority in serenity and harmony” to counter the far-right’s progress. Though Macron’s presidency is not directly affected, as his term runs for three more years, he currently lacks a parliamentary majority, complicating his legislative agenda.

Le Pen’s National Rally, buoyed by their electoral success, expressed readiness to govern and end “mass immigration.” Macron’s decision for snap elections is a significant risk, as it could either bolster his party’s position or potentially lead to the National Rally becoming the largest party in parliament.