Have you ever wondered why a country would suddenly hold elections?
That’s what happened in France on June 30.
President Emmanuel Macron decided to dissolve parliament and call for new elections. Let’s break down why this happened, what the results were, and what it could mean for France’s future.
What are Snap Elections?
Snap elections are elections that are called earlier than expected.
Normally, elections are held at regular intervals, such as every four or five years.
However, in certain situations, a leader might call for an early election to resolve a crisis, gain a stronger mandate, or take advantage of a favorable political climate.
In Macron’s case, he called for snap elections to try and stop the rise of the far-right National Rally.
Why Did Macron Call for Snap Elections?
President Macron surprised everyone by dissolving the parliament three years early.
He said that “France needs a clear majority if it is to act in serenity and harmony.”
This decision came after his party lost badly to the far-right National Rally (RN) in the European Parliament elections.
Macron hoped that by calling for elections, people would come together to stop the far-right party from gaining power.
But it didn’t quite work out as he planned.
With the prospect of losing, Macron made a desperate measure by calling for snap elections.
Impacts of Dissolving Parliament:
When a parliament is dissolved, it means that all members lose their seats, and new elections are held to choose new representatives.
This can have several impacts on a country:
- Political Uncertainty: Dissolving parliament creates a period of uncertainty as no one knows which party will gain control. This can make it hard for the government to make decisions or pass laws.
- Economic Impact: Investors and businesses may become nervous, leading to economic instability. They might delay investments or expansion plans until the political situation becomes clear.
- Public Reaction: The public might react with protests or support, depending on their views. This can lead to social unrest or increased political engagement.
- Government Functioning: Essential government functions and services might slow down or get disrupted during the transition period.
Macron hoped that the new elections would lead to a stable and clear majority, allowing the government to function smoothly.
What Happened in the First Phase of Elections?
On June 30, the first phase of the elections took place. The results showed that the far-right National Rally (RN) and its allies were in the lead with 33% of the vote.
The New Popular Front, a left-wing group, came second with 28%. Macron’s centrist group got only 20.7%.
How Are Elections Conducted in France?
France has 577 seats in its parliament.
To have a majority, a party needs 289 seats. In the first phase of elections, candidates need at least 12.5% of votes to stay in the race.
If no one gets more than half of the votes in the first round, candidates with enough votes move to the second phase.
This second phase will be held on July 7.
What is at Stake?
The National Rally (RN) was founded by Marine Le Pen’s father.
It used to be known for its extreme views. Marine Le Pen has tried to make the party look less extreme.
However, the party still has strong views on national priority and immigration.
They want French citizens to get the first choice for jobs and housing and are against immigration.
What Could Happen Next?
If the RN wins, it could be the first time a far-right party rules France since World War II. There have already been reports of protests and violence.
People are worried, especially immigrants and minorities.
The final results of the second phase will tell us if Macron’s decision backfired or if his party can still recover.
The snap elections in France are a big deal.
They show how quickly things can change in politics.
Whether France will be better off or face more challenges depends on the outcome of these elections.
Stay tuned to see what happens next!
