In a surprising political move, President Emmanuel Macron has dissolved the French parliament and called for a snap election, a decision that has sent shockwaves across the nation. The announcement follows the far-right National Rally’s (RN) historic victory in the recent European elections, where the party, led by Marine Le Pen, achieved its highest scores, particularly in the north-eastern département of l’Aisne, securing over 50% of the vote and even 60% in some rural areas.
Baptiste Lopata, a radiologist and trade union representative in Soissons, expressed the collective shock felt in the region. “Now we’ve all got to mobilise against the far right,” he said. The RN’s success in this area, characterized by aging populations, high unemployment, and a history of factory closures, was anticipated. However, Macron’s abrupt decision to call for new elections has left many, including Lopata, deeply concerned about the potential for the far right to significantly increase its parliamentary presence.
Soissons elected RN’s José Beaurain, a blind MP and former piano tuner, two years ago, and residents now fear that the snap election could propel the RN from its current 88 seats to over 200. If the RN were to secure a 289-seat majority, Le Pen’s 28-year-old protégé, Jordan Bardella, could become prime minister, while Macron would remain president, overseeing defence and foreign policy.
Lopata believes that young people, aware of the stakes, will turn out in greater numbers than they did in the European elections. He emphasized the critical role of foreign doctors in local hospitals, noting that almost half the medical staff in Soissons come from outside the EU.
Macron’s centrist group, which fell to a historic low of less than 15% in the European elections, has faced backlash over policies like raising the pension age. In contrast, Le Pen’s party expanded its voter base across France, even gaining ground in traditionally hostile regions like Brittany and Île-de-France.
With opposition parties scrambling to respond, some speculate that Macron’s move was a strategic attempt to preempt a vote of confidence on the government’s autumn budget. A source close to Macron argued that the election would allow France to decide now if it wanted the far right in power, expressing confidence that voters would ultimately reject RN governance.
The French left, however, warned of the dangers, describing Macron’s decision as a reckless gamble that could open the doors of government to a party founded on racist and xenophobic principles. Benoît Hamon, a former Socialist presidential candidate, voiced fears of a far-right administration filled with extremist ministers.
Public reactions in Soissons reflect a mix of fear, frustration, and resignation. Karim, a 29-year-old fast-food restaurant owner from Paris, noted the pervasive racism in France, while Joël, a 60-year-old forklift driver, expressed his anger over economic hardships and voted for Bardella out of frustration with the current government. Matthieu, a 21-year-old finance student, and Alain, a 73-year-old retired civil servant, both expressed concerns over the election’s implications, with Alain highlighting the rise of anti-immigration sentiments in his small village.
As Europe braces for a summer of significant political and social events, including elections, major sporting events, and ongoing geopolitical crises, the stakes in France’s snap election are particularly high. The outcome will not only shape the country’s future but also have broader implications for Europe’s political landscape.
