President Emmanuel Macron's surprise call for a snap election in the wake of a bruising defeat to far-right candidate Marine Le Pen has sent shockwaves through France. The upcoming legislative vote, set to take place just weeks before the Paris Olympics, is being hailed as the most consequential in the country's history. By taking a risky political gamble, Macron hopes to regain the upper hand and keep the far-right at bay. Meanwhile, analysts predict a fierce showdown between Macron's dwindling popularity and the rising strength of the RN.
French Elections: Macron's Surprise Call for Snap Election
In a dramatic political move, French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a snap legislative election, following his narrow victory over far-right candidate Marine Le Pen in the recent presidential election. The vote is set to take place in June, just weeks before the Paris Olympics.
Background
Macron's call for a snap election was a surprise to many, as he had previously ruled out the possibility. However, the election is seen as a strategic move by Macron to shore up his support in the National Assembly and prevent the far-right Rassemblement National (RN) from gaining further ground.
In the first round of the presidential election, Le Pen won a record number of votes for a far-right candidate, securing 23.1% of the vote. This raised concerns about the growing strength of the far-right in France.
Upcoming Election
The legislative election will be the first since Macron's re-election and will determine the composition of the National Assembly. Macron's centrist party, La République En Marche! (LREM), currently holds a majority in the assembly.
However, polls suggest that Macron's popularity has declined since his re-election, while the RN has been gaining support. Analysts predict a tight race between Macron's supporters and the RN, which could result in a hung parliament.
Macron's Gamble
Macron's decision to call a snap election is a risky gamble. If his party loses control of the National Assembly, he will face a difficult time passing legislation and governing effectively. However, a victory for LREM could strengthen Macron's position and give him a stronger mandate to implement his policies.
Top 5 FAQs on France's Election
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