French President Macron Takes Major Risk By Dissolving Parliament & Calling For Risky Snap Election

  

After watching the far right rise in the French parliament, President Macron decided to take a pretty big gamble. He dissolved the parliament and called for a snap election. This was in apparent hopes to finally break the momentum that the far right National Rally (NR), which is headed by Marine Le Pen, and which used to be known as the Front Nationale (National Front). Slowly but surely, the National Rally has been gaining more and more support in France, edging the country closer to rule by a far right party for the first time since the days of Vichy and German occupation.

Addressing the nation, he reminded the French people that he is the only candidate who has no need to run again in 2027. But he warned against what he described as the demagoguery of the far right. With France facing myrian crises, such as climate change and continued cooperation in Europe, this was the time for those serious-minded people in France to make the responsible choice, he said.

If Macron wins this particular gamble, then he might just look like a genius.

On the other hand, if he loses, he might lose more than just political ground. This might hurt his credibility, as well as compromise his legacy going forward.

One possibility is what is known as cohabitation, which is when there is a president of one party, and a prime minister of another party. The president is in charge of foreign affairs, while the prime minister generally is in charge of domestic matters. France has not seen that situation since the early 2000's, during the days of Jacques Chirac. 

The first round of voting will be held on the 30th of June, and the second and final round will be held on the 7th of July.

2024 European elections: President Macron dissolves French parliament • FRANCE 24 English