Macron Calls Snap Elections, Faces Risk of Wipeout as Left Unites, Le Pen Rises

Jun 14, 2024, 04:02 AM

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for snap parliamentary elections, a move that has significantly reshaped the country's political landscape. Macron's decision comes after his party's crushing defeat in the European parliamentary vote. He aims to form a pact against the far-right, urging rival parties to unite. This decision has led to chaos among right-wing parties while fostering unity among left-wing parties, which have formed a new 'Popular Front' alliance. Polls suggest that Macron's centrist alliance is at risk of a wipeout, with projections indicating that Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally could win the most seats. The leftist alliance, spanning moderate social democrats to communists, is projected to become the second-largest parliamentary bloc. Macron's gamble puts his credibility and authority on the line for the three years that remain of his second term and has significant implications for France's domestic and foreign policies, particularly its support for Ukraine. His approval rating has cratered, and warnings about the far-left may further support the far-right.