Macron's Early Elections: A Strategic Move
In a surprising turn of events, French President Emmanuel Macron has brought forward the parliamentary elections, accusing his political rivals of potentially leading the country into civil war. Macron's comments were made during a podcast titled 'Génération Do It Yourself,' where he described the right-wing populist Rassemblement National (RN) and the left-wing populist La France Insoumise (LFI) as threats to national unity. He argued that both parties' policies could divide society along lines of religion and origin, thereby escalating tensions.
Bardella's Ambitions and Criticisms
RN leader Jordan Bardella has not taken Macron's accusations lightly. Bardella, who is eyeing the prime minister's office, criticized Macron for his inflammatory language. He assured that his party is ready to take power and restore security for all French citizens. Bardella also emphasized that if the RN gains an absolute majority, he would aim for a 'government of national unity,' incorporating representatives from civil society.
Public Sentiment and Polls
Amidst these political tensions, public dissatisfaction with Macron's presidency is evident. According to a survey conducted by the French polling institute Ifop, 74 percent of French citizens are unhappy with Macron's performance. In contrast, his Prime Minister Gabriel Attal received a more favorable rating of 41 percent. The RN leads in the polls with 35 percent, followed by the left-green electoral alliance New Popular Front at just under 30 percent, and Macron's government camp trailing at around 20 percent.
Macron's Stance on Ukraine and Domestic Policies
Despite the domestic challenges, Macron remains committed to supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. He stressed France's unwavering determination to aid Ukraine, even if the future political landscape might be less supportive. On the domestic front, RN's Bardella has proposed several controversial measures, including professional bans for dual nationals and a 'big bang of authority' in school policy. These proposals aim to curb immigration and protect French national interests.
- Macron's decision to call for early parliamentary elections on June 30 and July 7 came after his party's defeat in the European elections. The move is seen as an attempt to regain political ground and address public discontent.
- Bardella's election program includes reducing VAT on electricity and fuel and negotiating exceptions in Brussels. He has also promised to prevent immigration by raising hurdles for family reunification and deporting undocumented foreigners.
- In his podcast, Macron emphasized the need for a stronger Republic to counter the appeal of extremist solutions. He called for greater efficiency and firmness in providing security and equal opportunities for all citizens.
- Prime Minister Gabriel Attal echoed Macron's concerns, criticizing both the RN and LFI for using 'hate as fuel' and contributing to societal divisions. He warned that the victory of extreme parties could lead to violence and further instability.
