Macron isolated as legislative third-place finish prompts rethink of his legacy

NEWS WIRES

1 July 2024 at 2:30 am·1-min read

French President Emmanuel Macron's camp saw an embarrassing third-place finish in the first round of snap legislative elections on Sunday, behind both the far-right National Rally party and a new leftist alliance. With the National Rally now poised to secure the largest block in parliament, Macron's shock decision to dissolve the National Assembly after European elections in June has detractors calling out his "hubris" and prompted a reconsideration of his legacy.

Emmanuel Macron has taken many risks in a political career marked by countless crises but his decision to call snap elections may be one too many, marring his legacy and ushering in an era of extremes.

The tremors from Macron dissolving the National Assembly after his centrist party suffered a drubbing in European polls remain strong, with even figures close to the president acknowledging unease over the political turmoil.

The far-right National Rally (RN) on Sunday won the first round of legislative elections.

Next week's second-round results on July 7 could give the party of Macron's longtime rival Marine Le Pen the post of prime minister for the first time, forcing a tense "cohabitation".

For one of Macron's most loyal supporters, some of the resentment stems from his unexpected rise to the presidency.

(AFP)

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