Emmanuel Macron calls shock French snap election after far-right surge in EU poll
9 June 2024, 21:14 | Updated: 9 June 2024, 22:51
French President Emmanuel Macron has dissolved the National Assembly and called new parliamentary elections after a defeat in a European vote.
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The French President has called elections one year early after the far-right surged in the country's European elections.
The poll's first round will take place on June 30 - with the second coming a week later on July 7.
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In a televised speech, President Macron said: "This is a serious, heavy decision, but above all it is an act of trust
He said that he trusts "the capacity of French people to make the best choice for them and for future generations.
"Let the sovereign people speak," he said.
He added that France needs a "clear majority in order to be able to work with serenity and harmony".
The Ensemble coalition, including Mr Macron's party, is currently the largest party in the National Assembly but does not have a majority.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen has welcomed the decision to call a snap election.
She said: "This historic vote shows that when people vote, people win.
"We are ready to take over power if the French give us their trust in the upcoming national elections.
"We are ready to exercise power, to end mass migration, to prioritise purchasing power, ready to make France live again."
Ms Le Pen's far-right National Rally won more than 30% of the vote in the party - more than double Mr Macron's Renaaissane party (15%).
