French President Emmanuel Macron has announced the dissolution of parliament following his centrist alliance's defeat by the far-right in EU polls. Macron has called for snap legislative elections scheduled for June 30 and July 7.  Hundreds of millions of Europeans are participating in the voting process to elect 720 Members of the European Parliament.

Macron acknowledged that he cannot ignore the outcome of the EU election, describing it as "not favourable for parties supporting Europe". He expressed concern over the growing influence of nationalists, viewing it as a threat to both France and Europe.

According to projections, the National Rally (RN) party dealt a significant blow to Macron's camp, securing more than double the votes received by the head of state's centrist alliance.

Projections released by several polling firms indicated that the RN's list, led by Jordan Bardella, secured between 32.3% and 33% of the vote, while Macron's alliance, led by his Renaissance party, garnered between 14.8% and 15.2%.

Addressing the surge of far-right parties across Europe, Macron expressed concern, stating, "Far-right parties... are advancing across the continent. It is a situation that I cannot ignore."

He went on to announce, "I have decided to offer you a choice... Therefore, I will dissolve the National Assembly tonight."

"This decision is significant and weighty, but it reflects confidence. Confidence in you, dear compatriots, and in the ability of the French people to make the best decisions for themselves and future generations."

Preliminary results indicate that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition faced a setback, with all three parties in his government trailing behind the conservatives and the far right.

Following the outcome, the victorious conservative CDU-CSU bloc has called on the centre-left Scholz to reconsider his approach or facilitate the process for new elections.

Image source: India Today