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Macron calls snap French legislative election after far-right rout in EU vote
- Stunning announcement came after the far-right National Rally scored more than double the votes of Emmanuel Macron’s ticket in the EU elections
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French President Emmanuel Macron set off a political earthquake on Sunday when he called shock legislative elections for later this month after he was trounced in the European Union vote by Marine Le Pen’s far-right party.
Macron’s surprise decision represents a major roll of the dice on his political future, three years before his presidency ends. If Le Pen’s National Rally (RN) party wins a parliamentary majority, Macron would be left without a say in domestic affairs.
Macron said the EU results were grim for his government, and one he could not pretend to ignore. In an address to the nation, less than two months before Paris hosts the Olympics, he said lower house elections would be called for June 30, with a second-round vote on July 7.
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“This is an essential time for clarification,” Macron said. “I have heard your message, your concerns and I will not leave them unanswered … France needs a clear majority to act in serenity and harmony.”
Led by telegenic 28-year-old Jordan Bardella, the RN won around 32 per cent of the vote in Sunday’s election, more than double Macron ticket’s 15 per cent, according to the first exit polls. The Socialists came within a whisker of Macron, with 14 per cent.
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