On Sunday evening, Emmanuel Macron announced the dissolution of the National Assembly after the overwhelming victory of the far right in the European elections, and called for legislative elections to be held on June 30 and July 7.
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“After holding the consultations stipulated in Article 12 of our Constitution, I have decided to once again give you the choice of our parliamentary future by voting. I am dissolving the National Assembly this evening,” the head of state said in a televised speech after the results were announced.
He added: “In a few moments, I will sign the decree holding the legislative elections, which will be held on June 30 for the first session and July 7 for the second session.”
He stressed that the result of the European vote “is not a good result for the parties that defend Europe,” pointing out that the far right reached “nearly 40% of the votes” in France.
He added: “The rise of nationalists and demagogues poses a danger to our nation, but also to Europe, and to France's position in Europe and in the world.”
“Yes, the extreme right is to impoverish the French and degrade our country,” he said. He added: “In addition to this situation is the fever that has swept the public and parliamentary debate in our country in recent years.”
“Now, today, the challenges that present themselves before us, whether they are external dangers, climate change and its consequences, or threats to our cohesion, these challenges require clarity in our discussions, “ambition for the homeland and respect for every Frenchman,” he concluded.
