French President Emmanuel Macron has made a surprising announcement, declaring on Sunday that he will dissolve the parliament and call for legislative elections.
The decision comes in the wake of projections showing the right-wing National Rally (NR) winning the European election in France with 31.5% of the vote, more than double the percentage garnered by Macron’s party.
“I’ve decided to give you back the choice of our parliamentary future through the vote. I am therefore dissolving the National Assembly," the French president said in an address to the nation.
“France needs a clear majority in serenity and harmony. To be French, at heart, it is about choosing to write history, not be driven by it," he said.
The first round of the legislative election will be held on June 30, with the second round scheduled for July 7.
Supporters of Marine Le Pen’s National Rally were reportedly seen celebrating, singing “dissolution, dissolution!” while watching Macron’s address at an event where Le Pen is set to take the floor, according to Politico.
"This historic vote shows that when people vote, people win," Le Pen said to the crowd. "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," she added.
This is a breaking story. Refresh for updates.
