French President Macron Dissolves National Assembly to Combat Rise of Far-Right National Rally

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced the dissolution of the National Assembly in response to the surge of the far-right National Rally party in the European Parliament elections. The election results showed significant gains for the National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen, with Macron’s party trailing behind.

Macron expressed concern over the rise of nationalist parties, deeming it dangerous for France and Europe as a whole. In a televised address from the Elysee Palace, he declared the decision to dissolve the National Assembly and called for new parliamentary elections to be held in two rounds on June 30 and July 7.

The European Parliament elections also indicated a shift towards the far-right, with parties like the Christian Democrats, Socialists, and Greens experiencing setbacks. On the other hand, nationalist groups such as European Conservatives and Reformists and Identity and Democracy saw gains in the parliament, potentially impacting EU policymaking in the coming years.

Meanwhile, in Germany, Chancellor Olaf Scholz faced challenges as the far-right Alternative for Germany party secured second place in the European elections. The results reflected a broader trend of nationalist and populist parties making strong showings across Europe.

The centralised exit poll projected the European People's Party to be the largest political family in the new parliament, with Ursula von der Leyen seeking a second term as head of the EU executive arm. However, the fragmented political landscape may require alliances with right-wing nationalists for majority support.

As Macron takes bold steps to confront the far-right surge, the upcoming elections in France will be crucial in shaping the country’s political future and its stance within the European Union. The prospect of a cohabitation scenario with a far-right-controlled parliament poses unique challenges and uncertainties for the French government and the EU at large.