The far-right National Rally’s victory in the recent European elections has caused French President Emmanuel Macron to call for a parliamentary election just ahead of the Paris Olympics. The election, scheduled for June 30 and July 7, has left many stunned, including Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, who expressed her shock at the decision.
In the European elections, the National Rally outperformed Macron’s centrist alliance, winning more than double the votes. This victory was not limited to France as far-right parties in Italy, Austria, and Germany also made significant gains. Additionally, an Italian under house arrest in Hungary and a 24-year-old YouTube prankster in Cyprus were elected as Members of the European Parliament.
The proximity of the parliamentary election to the Paris Olympics has raised concerns among many. Macron’s decision to call for the vote so close to such a significant international event has left many stunned. Despite this shock, the election is set to proceed in late June and early July, setting the stage for political changes leading up to the Olympic Games in Paris.