Emmanuel Macron Dissolves National Assembly Amid Political Turmoil
President Emmanuel Macron is diving headfirst into an intense campaign following his decision to dissolve the National Assembly and call for early legislative elections. This unprecedented move, announced two days prior, comes on the heels of the far-right's historic victory in the European elections and the subsequent debacle for Macron’s camp. The first round of legislative elections is set for June 30, with the second round on July 7, just before the Paris Olympic Games.
The dissolution marks a high-stakes gamble for Macron as his party faces a severe sanction vote setback. Led by Jordan Bardella, the National Rally list triumphed with 31.37% of the votes, significantly ahead of the Macronist candidate Valérie Hayer at 14.60%, and PS list head Raphaël Glucksmann at 13.83%. During a televised interview, Minister of the Interior Gérald Darmanin defended Macron's ‘humble choice’ to listen to the French people, who have clearly expressed dissatisfaction with the current administration.
Political Chessboard Shaken
Major French newspapers like Le Figaro and Mediapart predict that Macron's strategy could either reinvigorate his base or hand control to the extreme right. The outcome of these elections is seen as a risky bet, potentially leading to cohabitation with the National Rally Party. Media Part criticized Macron's ‘me or chaos’ approach, warning that his strategy risks dragging the entire country into political instability.
Le Figaro elaborated that Macron hopes voters will rethink their audacious choices caused by a combination of immigration concerns and fears around political Islam. The president believes that active campaigning and possible new alliances might restore his majority. However, the publication notes that the National Rally's progress reflects deeper societal anger that Macron's administration has struggled to address.
Liberation took a harsher tone, describing Macron as a 'suddenly angry child'. According to the newspaper, the National Rally's victory and the Socialists' rise have destabilized the political scene, with Macron's response signaling further chaos. The journalistic consensus is that the president's risky move might ultimately reduce his influence both in Brussels and Paris, as his electoral base continues to erode.
- In Macron's inner circle, this strategic dissolution is seen as a return to the core principles of his political movement, characterized by bold risk-taking and a drive to break away from established political norms. His supporters argue that this move is necessary to avoid the National Rally's ascendancy and to reinforce the president's authority.
- Political analysts argue that the fallout from the European elections has placed Macron's administration on the defensive, forcing a dramatic response to reassert his vision for France. By dissolving the National Assembly, Macron intends to rally a broader electorate and bypass the entrenched political apparatus that has stymied his reform agenda.
