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Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter, including the recent rejection of an alliance offer by President Emmanuel Macron by France’s mainstream parties ahead of snap elections. Macron dissolved the National Assembly following a defeat in European parliament elections by Marine Le Pen’s far right Rassemblement National, in an effort to end parliamentary gridlock since his centrist alliance lost its majority in 2022.
Macron made a public pitch to centre-left parties and centre-right Les Republicains for an alliance, but his potential allies rejected the offer. LR leader Éric Ciotti stated that it was “out of the question to enter into a coalition” with Macron’s party, while factions on the left announced plans for joint lists but refused to work with Renaissance. This sets the stage for a critical turning point for Macron’s presidency and the future of French democracy, with snap legislative elections scheduled for June 30.
Finance minister Bruno Le Maire called the upcoming parliamentary election the “most consequential” in the history of the Fifth Republic, emphasizing the uncertainty and stakes involved. While Socialist party secretary Olivier Faure called for unity against the far right, he rejected any agreement with Macron’s party, highlighting the complex political landscape in France. Marine Le Pen’s RN remains a formidable force, potentially gaining an absolute majority in the National Assembly and impacting France’s domestic affairs.
With the possibility of a hung parliament or far-right ascendancy looming, analysts and politicians alike are navigating a challenging electoral landscape. Mathieu Gallard, a pollster and political analyst, pointed out the unpredictability of the outcome due to the two-round election format and the potential for tactical withdrawals. Le Maire warned against “petty partisan” arrangements to counter the rise of the far right, stressing the importance of addressing voters’ concerns and fears driving their choices.
As France gears up for a pivotal moment in its political history, the outcome of the snap legislative elections remains uncertain. Macron’s gamble to dissolve the National Assembly in light of the far right’s rise may either solidify his position or backfire, reshaping the country’s political landscape. The rejection of alliances by mainstream parties and the potential for a far-right majority signal a turbulent political future for France, with ramifications that could extend beyond the current presidency.
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