French President announces dissolution of Parliament and early elections

French President Emmanuel Macron on June 9 announced the dissolution of the National Assembly and called for early legislative elections after the far-right National Front (FN) party defeated his moderate coalition in the European Parliament (EP) elections.

In a speech to the entire French people, President Macron said the first round of the National Assembly election will take place on June 30 and the second round on July 7.

According to Mr. Macron, the results of the EP elections are not beneficial “for the parties that protect Europe”.

Far-right parties in France, including RN, are determined to win about 40% of the total votes in the EP election in the "Hexagon Country".

“The far-right parties are winning everywhere on the continent. It is a situation that makes it impossible for me to resign. I have decided to leave the choice to you. Therefore, I will dissolve the National Assembly tonight (June 9 local time),” the French president said.

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen has welcomed President Macron's call for early elections.

Speaking at the march, Ms. Le Pen declared: "We are ready to take over power if the French people trust us in the upcoming national elections."

According to the BFMTV radio and television network, the FN - led by 28-year-old politician Jordan Bardella - won about 32% of the total vote, more than double the 15.4% of President Macron's Renaissance party, followed by the Place publique-Socialist alliance (13.9%) and the left-wing party France Undefeated (9.3%).