In a dramatic political move, Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right Rassemblement National (RN), has called for new parliamentary elections in France next year. This push comes just months after the country faced a political gridlock following snap parliamentary elections.
Addressing RN members on September 14, Le Pen criticized the current political situation as “untenable,” asserting that France, one of the world’s major democracies, cannot function under the existing circumstances.
“The great country that is France cannot function this way,” Le Pen declared, emphasizing the need for a resolution to the ongoing impasse.
The call for new elections highlights the deepening crisis that began with the dissolution of the Assemblée Nationale in June.
President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to dissolve the parliament followed a significant defeat of his centrist alliance in the European elections, which saw the RN achieve substantial gains.
This move was intended to restore a relative majority for Macron’s party, but instead, it led to a hung legislature.
The political turmoil has left the French government in a precarious position. Macron’s dissolution of the Assemblée Nationale has resulted in a fragmented parliament where no single party has a clear majority.
The RN, despite being the largest single party, has been unable to form a government, while a left-wing alliance holds the most seats but lacks the necessary majority to govern effectively.
Macron’s centrist faction has become the second-largest bloc, complicating efforts to establish a stable administration.
Under France’s Constitution, the president is barred from dissolving the parliament again for at least a year from the previous vote.
This restriction has frustrated Macron’s efforts to resolve the deadlock quickly. In response, Le Pen’s call for new elections reflects her party’s strategic positioning and frustration with the current political landscape.
Last week, in an attempt to navigate the crisis, Macron appointed Michel Barnier, a conservative and former European Union Brexit negotiator, as Prime Minister.
Barnier, a veteran politician known for his roles in both French and European politics, is expected to form a new government by next week.
His appointment, however, has sparked significant controversy, particularly from left-wing groups who view his selection as a further entrenchment of conservative policies.
Le Pen’s statement about the anticipated elections in ten months underscores her party’s readiness to capitalize on the ongoing political instability.
As she prepares for a likely presidential run in 2027, her current call for elections serves as both a strategic move and a response to the perceived failures of Macron’s government.
The French political scene remains volatile, with competing factions jockeying for power and influence. As the country braces for potential new elections, the outcome will be pivotal in determining France’s political direction in the coming years.
