French President Emmanuel Macron defended his decision to call snap parliamentary elections after his party’s defeat in the European parliamentary vote, urging moderate politicians to regroup with his centrist alliance to defeat the far-right. Macron has a presidential mandate until 2027 and hopes voters will choose the 'progressive bloc' over the far-right.
Key Points
Macron has a presidential mandate until 2027 and will not step down before the end of his term
Voting in the legislative elections will take place in two rounds on June 30 and July 7
Macron hopes voters will band together to contain the far-right in national elections
Pros
Macron shows confidence in the French people by calling for early polls
Urges moderate politicians to regroup to defeat the far-right
Believes voters will choose the 'progressive bloc' over the far-right
Cons
Concerns that the move could result in the far-right leading the government for the first time since World War II
Protests against the National Rally party in France
Criticism of Macron for being out of touch with real-life and pocketbook problems