Macron dissolves parliament amid protests over far‑right gains
French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Sunday that he is dissolving the National Assembly and calling for early parliamentary elections. Tensions are high on the streets of Paris, and demonstrations are ongoing.
On Sunday in Republic Square in Paris, a demonstration took place against President Emmanuel Macron's decision to dissolve the National Assembly. Protesters also opposed the far-right. The protest was initiated by activists from environmental groups in reaction to Macron’s decision.
Protests in Paris
About 500 people filled Republic Square in Paris, loudly voicing their opposition to the far-right National Rally, associated with Marine Le Pen. According to exit poll surveys, this party garnered over 30% of the vote in the European Parliament elections.
The demonstration featured various slogans. Some were typical for the left-wing, such as: "We are all children of Gaza!". Others called for the unification of left-wing groups.
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Many leading figures of the French left, including environmentalists, members of the Socialist Party, the Communist Party, and the far-left Unsubmissive France, called on Sunday evening for renewed unity. They are urging this in the face of the upcoming early parliamentary elections.
President Macron announced that the early parliamentary elections will be held on June 30th (first round). He made this decision after announcing exit polls in the European Parliament elections. These forecasts indicate that the National Rally garnered about 31% of the votes.
Second on the list, according to exit polls, is the presidential party Renaissance, with about 15% support. This means the far-right has a two-fold advantage over the ruling camp in this year’s European Parliament elections. The Socialist Party garnered about 14% of the votes.
