France To Hold Snap Elections: What Is It, Why President Emmanuel Macron Dissolved Parliament | Explained

French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Sunday that he will dissolve parliament and schedule new legislative elections later this month after Marine Le Pen's far-right party defeated him in the European elections.

In a national address, Macron announced that the first round of elections for the National Assembly will be held on June 30, followed by a second round on July 7. He acknowledged that the EU election results were unfavourable for pro-European parties. Macron pointed out that far-right parties, including the leading National Rally (RN), secured almost 40 per cent of the vote in France.

"Far-right parties are progressing everywhere in the continent. It is a situation in which I cannot resign myself. I decided to give you the choice. Therefore I will dissolve the National Assembly tonight. This decision is serious and heavy but it is an act of confidence. Confidence in you, dear compatriots, and in the capacity of the French people to make the best choice for itself and future generations,” said Macron. 

Despite not participating in the EU elections and having three years left in his term, Macron called the decision to dissolve parliament “serious” but emphasised that  it demonstrated his “confidence in our democracy, in letting the sovereign people have their say.” 

What Are Snap Elections

Snap elections are elections that are called earlier than expected, often before the regular term of the incumbent government has ended. They are often called to address a particular issue or crisis, to make the best of a perceived political advantage, or when a government loses a vote of confidence. 

Why Did Emmanuel Macron Dissolve Parliament

The decision came after the far-right and anti-migration party, National Rally appeared set to win the European election in France with 32 per cent of the vote, more than double that of Macron’s centrist liberal party.

Initial projections indicated that Marine Le Pen’s National Rally garnered around 31-32 per cent of the votes, significantly surpassing Macron’s Renaissance party, which was estimated at about 15 per cent. 

Macron warned on Thursday that a significant far-right presence in the European Parliament after this week's elections could result in the EU being "blocked".

Far Right Marine Le Pen Welcomes Decision

Le Pen, leading the National Rally group in the National Assembly, supported Macron’s decision. “We’re ready for it,” she said. “We’re prepared to govern if the French people trust us in the upcoming legislative elections. We’re ready to transform the country, defend French interests, end mass immigration, and prioritize the purchasing power of the French people.”

The European elections represent a pivotal moment in France, as Macron is ineligible to run for president again in 2027, and RN leader Le Pen believes she has her best chance yet to win the Elysee Palace.

The Socialists closely followed Macron with 14 per cent. Le Pen, seen as a leading contender for the 2027 election, welcomed Macron's decision. "We are ready to take over power if the French give us their trust in the upcoming national elections," she stated at a rally.

Possible Cohabitation In France

An opposition party winning a parliamentary majority could result in a power-sharing arrangement known as “cohabitation”, where Macron would need to appoint a prime minister from a different political party and varying views. 

Macron's Renaissance party currently holds 169 seats in the 577-member lower house, while the RN has 88. If the RN wins a majority, Macron would retain control over defence and foreign policy but would lose the ability to dictate the domestic agenda, including economic policy and security.

Dissolving parliament will be the first instance of such action since 1997 when President Jacques Chirac called for snap legislative elections, which resulted in a left-wing majority.