French President Macron dissolves French National Assembly, calls for snap election

French President Emmanuel Macron has taken the unprecedented step of dissolving the country’s parliament, the National Assembly, and announcing a snap election following a stunning defeat of his Renaissance party in the European parliamentary elections.

I’ve decided to give you back the choice of our parliamentary future through the vote. I am therefore dissolving the National Assembly

Macron said speaking at the Elysee Palace

According to exit polls, the far-right National Rally (RN) party emerged victorious with 31.5% of the vote, more than doubling the share of Macron’s Renaissance party, which secured 15.2%. The Socialists trailed closely behind in third place with 14.3% of the vote.

“This decision is weighty, but above all, it is an expression of trust. Trust in you, my dear compatriots. In the capacity of the French people to make the most just decision,” Macron added.

Macron said he could not “pretend nothing had happened” and admitted the EU election was “no good” for his government.

The rise of nationalists is a danger to France and Europe

French President Emmanuel Macron

RN leader Jordan Bardella, in a triumphant speech following the exit poll results, urged Macron to dissolve the French parliament, citing the significant margin between the two parties as a “stinging disavowal” for the president.

This unprecedented defeat for the current government marks the end of a cycle, and Day 1 of the post-Macron era

Jordan Bardella

Ms. Le Pen said her party was “ready to take over power if the French gives us their trust in the upcoming national elections”.