<p>French President Emmanuel Macron landed in another controversy after he was caught kissing and embracing Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra amid the 2024 Paris Olympic Games which raised many eyebrows and sent media into a frenzy.</p>

<p>The awkward photos of touchy moments between Macron and Oudéa-Castéra were all over the internet as some even said that it appeared like the affectionate display of a lover’s embrace.</p>

<p>In the controversial photo, the 46-year-old president was seen tightly holding the minister's arm - who was a former professional tennis player and is now holding the portfolio of minister of sports.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-rejects-leftist-coalitions-pm-proposal-to-maintain-government-during-paris-olympics-743657">Macron rejects leftist coalition's PM proposal, to maintain government during Paris Olympics</a></p>

<p>In turn, Oudéa-Castéra is seen tightly clutching the bicep of the Macron with one hand and affectionately kissing him on the other side of the neck.</p>

<h2><strong>Here's how netizens reacted to Macron's controversial photo</strong></h2>

<p>Many netizens pointed out that the cringe factor of the photo was Prime Minister Gabriel Attal standing next to them but looking in a different direction, which many suggested was a conscious decision by the latter to avert his gaze from the public display of affection.</p>

<p>“Gabriel Attal, he pretends to look elsewhere! He doesn’t know where to stand!” said one user. “It’s my lover that I’m kissing like this. Embarrassing,” wrote another.</p>

<p>“I find this photo indecent, it’s not worthy of a president and a minister," said a user.</p>

<p>French magazine&nbsp;Madame Figaro brought peoples' attention to the weird photo and called it a “strange” kiss while claiming Oudéa-Castéra knows how to draw attention to herself.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;France: Amid Olympic fever, far-left slams Macron over Government formation</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-amid-olympic-fever-far-left-slams-macron-over-government-formation-743875/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Earlier this month, the sports minister took a dip in the Seine River to ensure that it was safe for the athletes. In many waterways, E.coli levels are known to be high which was a cause of concern as several events were to be held during the Olympics.</p>

<p>On Sunday (Jul 28), a pre-race triathlon event had to be cancelled due to concerns raised about the water quality.</p>

<p>In January, Oudéa-Castéra was given the position of education minister by Macron, however, she was removed from her position in less than a month after it was found that her children were studying at posh private schools and the minister was also found making disparaging remarks about public schools.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:938,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2688}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:938,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2688}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


French President Emmanuel Macron landed in another controversy after he was caught kissing and embracing Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra amid the 2024 Paris Olympic Games which raised many eyebrows and sent media into a frenzy.

French President Emmanuel Macron landed in another controversy after he was caught kissing and embracing Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra amid the 2024 Paris Olympic Games which raised many eyebrows and sent media into a frenzy. The awkward photos of touchy moments between Macron and Oudéa-Castéra were all over the internet as some even said that it appeared like the affectionate display of a lover’s embrace. In the controversial photo, the 46-year-old president was seen tightly holding the minister's arm - who was a former professional tennis player and is now holding the portfolio of minister of sports. Also Read: Macron rejects leftist coalition's PM proposal, to maintain government during Paris Olympics In turn, Oudéa-Castéra is seen tightly clutching the bicep of the Macron with one hand and affectionately kissing him on the other side of the neck. Here's how netizens reacted to Macron's controversial photo Many netizens pointed out that the cringe factor of the photo was Prime Minister Gabriel Attal standing next to them but looking in a different direction, which many suggested was a conscious decision by the latter to avert his gaze from the public display of affection. “Gabriel Attal, he pretends to look elsewhere! He doesn’t know where to stand!” said one user. “It’s my lover that I’m kissing like this. Embarrassing,” wrote another. “I find this photo indecent, it’s not worthy of a president and a minister," said a user. French magazine Madame Figaro brought peoples' attention to the weird photo and called it a “strange” kiss while claiming Oudéa-Castéra knows how to draw attention to herself. Watch: France: Amid Olympic fever, far-left slams Macron over Government formation Earlier this month, the sports minister took a dip in the Seine River to ensure that it was safe for the athletes. In many waterways, E.coli levels are known to be high which was a cause of concern as several events were to be held during the Olympics. On Sunday (Jul 28), a pre-race triathlon event had to be cancelled due to concerns raised about the water quality. In January, Oudéa-Castéra was given the position of education minister by Macron, however, she was removed from her position in less than a month after it was found that her children were studying at posh private schools and the minister was also found making disparaging remarks about public schools. (With inputs from agencies)

Macron's intimate kiss and hug with sports minister at Olympics causes stir, netizens call it 'indecent'

<p>French President&nbsp;Emmanuel&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;said on Tuesday his outgoing government will remain in place until mid-August while France hosts the Olympic Games, dismissing an effort by a left-wing alliance to name a prime minister.</p>

<p>France's leftist New Popular Front coalition, which won the largest number of seats in parliament in elections this month, proposed financial crime specialist Lucie Castets as its candidate for prime minister only an hour before&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;spoke in a TV interview.</p>

<p>But when asked about Castets, who is unknown to the public,&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;told France 2: "This is not the issue. The name is not the issue. The issue is: Which majority can emerge at the (National) Assembly?"</p>

<p>"Until mid-August, we're in no position to change things, because it would create disorder,"&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;added.</p>

<p>The Olympic Games in Paris, which run from Friday to Aug. 11, are a major logistics and security challenge for France, with 35 venues and an estimated 10,500 athletes.</p>

<p>France has been in a state of parliamentary deadlock since the election. No party won an outright majority of seats in the lower house of parliament, which is instead fragmented broadly into three blocs.</p>

<p>The leftist coalition has sought to propose a new prime minister to succeed outgoing Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, but has ruled out striking deals with other political forces and does not have enough seats to form a majority government.</p>

<p>According to the French constitution, it is up to the president to name a prime minister, so the leftist coalition has no way to force&nbsp;Macron's hand. Instead, the president urged political parties to work on forming a broader coalition.</p>

<p>Castets is a director of finance and purchasing at Paris City Hall. She graduated from France's elite Ecole Nationale d'Administration school for civil servants in 2013, but she has no background in party politics.</p>

<p>The four parties in the leftist NPF - the hard-left France Unbowed, the Socialists, the Greens and the Communists - have been arguing for weeks over who to propose as prime minister.</p>

<p>The outgoing government acts as caretaker, running day-to-day matters without being able to pass new legislation.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday his outgoing government will remain in place until mid-August while France hosts the Olympic Games, dismissing an effort by a left-wing alliance to name a prime minister.

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday his outgoing government will remain in place until mid-August while France hosts the Olympic Games, dismissing an effort by a left-wing alliance to name a prime minister. France's leftist New Popular Front coalition, which won the largest number of seats in parliament in elections this month, proposed financial crime specialist Lucie Castets as its candidate for prime minister only an hour before Macron spoke in a TV interview. But when asked about Castets, who is unknown to the public, Macron told France 2: "This is not the issue. The name is not the issue. The issue is: Which majority can emerge at the (National) Assembly?" "Until mid-August, we're in no position to change things, because it would create disorder," Macron added. The Olympic Games in Paris, which run from Friday to Aug. 11, are a major logistics and security challenge for France, with 35 venues and an estimated 10,500 athletes. France has been in a state of parliamentary deadlock since the election. No party won an outright majority of seats in the lower house of parliament, which is instead fragmented broadly into three blocs. The leftist coalition has sought to propose a new prime minister to succeed outgoing Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, but has ruled out striking deals with other political forces and does not have enough seats to form a majority government. According to the French constitution, it is up to the president to name a prime minister, so the leftist coalition has no way to force Macron's hand. Instead, the president urged political parties to work on forming a broader coalition. Castets is a director of finance and purchasing at Paris City Hall. She graduated from France's elite Ecole Nationale d'Administration school for civil servants in 2013, but she has no background in party politics. The four parties in the leftist NPF - the hard-left France Unbowed, the Socialists, the Greens and the Communists - have been arguing for weeks over who to propose as prime minister. The outgoing government acts as caretaker, running day-to-day matters without being able to pass new legislation. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Macron rejects leftist coalition's PM proposal, to maintain government during Paris Olympics

The political battle in France is getting ugly, several parties across the ideological spectrum have slammed French President Emmanuel Macron accusing him of holding on to power. Watch in for more details!

France Elections 2024: Leaders of the far-left parties turn the heat on Macron

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<p>A broad left-wing coalition in France is leading the&nbsp;legislative election, ahead of President Emmanuel Macron's&nbsp;centrists and the far right with no group winning an absolute majority, the news agency AFP reported on Sunday (July 7) citing exit poll projections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Projections by four leading polling firms said that the&nbsp;New Popular Front (NFP) alliance was on course to have 172-215 MPs with Macron's alliance on 150-180 seats and the far-right National Rally (RN) on 115-155.</p>

<p>According to interior ministry figures,&nbsp;59.71 per cent of the electorate had taken part in the elections till 5 pm and three more hours to go.</p>

<p><strong>Here's a look at the latest updates from the elections:</strong></p>

<p><strong>&gt; </strong>Counting of votes has started<strong>&nbsp;</strong>in rural areas&nbsp;where ballots have closed already.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/emmanuel-macron-from-a-banker-to-the-youngest-president-of-france-738657">Emmanuel Macron: From a banker to the youngest President of France</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong> President Macron called the elections three years ahead of time after his forces were trounced in June's European parliament vote, a gamble which seems to have backfired.</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong> In the first round of the elections, far-right leader Marine Le Pen's RN party came on top and is on course to repeat the feat in Sunday's run-off races.</p>

<p><strong>&gt; </strong>If the exit polls turn out to be true, Parliament would be left divided into three big groups with hugely different platforms and no tradition at all of working together.</p>

<p><strong>&gt; </strong>French voters have&nbsp;punished Macron and his ruling alliance for a cost of living crisis and failing public services, as well as over immigration and security.</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong> Le Pen and her party have successfully tapped into those grievances, spreading their appeal way beyond their traditional strongholds along the Mediterranean coast and in the country's northern rust belt, a report by the news agency Reuters said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>&gt; </strong>However,&nbsp;the left-wing alliance managed to edge them out of the first spot.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A broad left-wing coalition in France is leading the legislative election, ahead of President Emmanuel Macron's centrists and the far right with no group winning an absolute majority, the news agency AFP reported on Sunday (July 7) citing exit poll projections.

A broad left-wing coalition in France is leading the legislative election, ahead of President Emmanuel Macron's centrists and the far right with no group winning an absolute majority, the news agency AFP reported on Sunday (July 7) citing exit poll projections. Projections by four leading polling firms said that the New Popular Front (NFP) alliance was on course to have 172-215 MPs with Macron's alliance on 150-180 seats and the far-right National Rally (RN) on 115-155. According to interior ministry figures, 59.71 per cent of the electorate had taken part in the elections till 5 pm and three more hours to go. Here's a look at the latest updates from the elections: > Counting of votes has started in rural areas where ballots have closed already. Also read | Emmanuel Macron: From a banker to the youngest President of France > President Macron called the elections three years ahead of time after his forces were trounced in June's European parliament vote, a gamble which seems to have backfired. > In the first round of the elections, far-right leader Marine Le Pen's RN party came on top and is on course to repeat the feat in Sunday's run-off races. > If the exit polls turn out to be true, Parliament would be left divided into three big groups with hugely different platforms and no tradition at all of working together. > French voters have punished Macron and his ruling alliance for a cost of living crisis and failing public services, as well as over immigration and security. > Le Pen and her party have successfully tapped into those grievances, spreading their appeal way beyond their traditional strongholds along the Mediterranean coast and in the country's northern rust belt, a report by the news agency Reuters said. > However, the left-wing alliance managed to edge them out of the first spot. (With inputs from agencies)

French elections 2024: Left alliance projected to win most seats, major setback to far right, say exit polls

<p>Riots and violence erupted across France after the second round of parliamentary elections sprung major surprises. Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally (RN) party was stopped short of&nbsp;forming the government by the left-wing alliance&nbsp;and&nbsp;President Emmanuel Macron's centrist coalition.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Video clips going viral on social media showed masked protesters storming the streets, igniting flares and causing disturbances as riot police attempted to neutralise them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports, thousands had gathered&nbsp;at the Place de la République in the capital city of Paris to celebrate the victory of the left-wing alliance when some demonstrators clashed with the police.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🚨 HAPPENING NOW. 🚨 France 🇫🇷<br />
<br />
The Far-Left are violently rioting.<br />
<br />
When they lost the first round of elections last week, they resorted to public violence.<br />
<br />
Now that they are winning.. they are resorting to public violence.<br />
<br />
I’m pretty sure we know who the extremists are. <a href="https://t.co/YD5GNVdaab">pic.twitter.com/YD5GNVdaab</a></p>
— Kosher🎗🧡 (@KosherCockney) <a href="https://twitter.com/KosherCockney/status/1810069177685737725?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Frenchelections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Frenchelections</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/france?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#france</a> Sunday 230pm. Fearing violence and démonstrations after the results tonight, some banks in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Paris?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Paris</a> barricade themselves. <a href="https://t.co/GGSjBfaIMn">pic.twitter.com/GGSjBfaIMn</a></p>
— LAURENCE HAIM (@lauhaim) <a href="https://twitter.com/lauhaim/status/1809927723269189711?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>In the northern city of Lille, clashes were reported between&nbsp;far-left activists and police where the latter used tear gas, according to media reports.</p>

<p>Meanwhile,&nbsp;25 people were arrested in Rennes, western France, after riot police deployed tear gas against a group of left-wing demonstrators chanting “Everyone hates the police”.</p>

<p>Anticipating there might be violence post the election results, the French government had pressed an additional 30,000 police force to ensure that&nbsp;neither the far-left nor the far-right succeeded in “creating disorder".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, the final week of electioneering had also been marred by violence with several candidates, across party lines suffering physical attacks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This campaign is short, less than three weeks. However, we have counted 51 candidates, deputies, or campaigners who have been physically assaulted. I am not counting verbal aggressions here,” said Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin over the weekend.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Fearing protests, shopfronts and banks were also boarded up and barricades set up as viral images on social media showed.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/left-wins-in-france-what-next-frances-far-right-sad-disappointed-over-election-result-738789"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Left wins in France: What next? | France's far-right 'sad &amp; disappointed' over election result</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What happened in the election?</strong></h2>

<p>According to reports,&nbsp;the leftwing New Popular Front won 182 seats, followed by Macron's Together alliance with 163 seats while Le Pen finished with 143 seats in the bag.</p>

<p>Although the left-wing alliance emerged as the biggest winner, the number of seats were still more than 100 short of an absolute majority which stands at 289 in the 577-seat National Assembly.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-french-elections-ended-in-a-hung-parliament-what-happens-next-738795"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Explained: French elections ended in a hung parliament. What happens next?</strong></a></p>

<p>Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, who was appointed by the president only seven months ago, said he would hand in his resignation on Monday morning.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Attal's fate now lies in Macron's hands as a stable government is needed with only three weeks to go before the start of the Paris Olympics.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies</em></p>


Riots and violence erupted across France after the second round of parliamentary elections sprung major surprises. Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally (RN) party was stopped short of forming the government by the left-wing alliance and President Emmanuel Macron's centrist coalition.

Riots and violence erupted across France after the second round of parliamentary elections sprung major surprises. Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally (RN) party was stopped short of forming the government by the left-wing alliance and President Emmanuel Macron's centrist coalition. Video clips going viral on social media showed masked protesters storming the streets, igniting flares and causing disturbances as riot police attempted to neutralise them. According to reports, thousands had gathered at the Place de la République in the capital city of Paris to celebrate the victory of the left-wing alliance when some demonstrators clashed with the police. 🚨 HAPPENING NOW. 🚨 France 🇫🇷 The Far-Left are violently rioting. When they lost the first round of elections last week, they resorted to public violence. Now that they are winning.. they are resorting to public violence. I’m pretty sure we know who the extremists are. pic.twitter.com/YD5GNVdaab — Kosher🎗🧡 (@KosherCockney) July 7, 2024 × #Frenchelections. #france Sunday 230pm. Fearing violence and démonstrations after the results tonight, some banks in #Paris barricade themselves. pic.twitter.com/GGSjBfaIMn — LAURENCE HAIM (@lauhaim) July 7, 2024 × In the northern city of Lille, clashes were reported between far-left activists and police where the latter used tear gas, according to media reports. Meanwhile, 25 people were arrested in Rennes, western France, after riot police deployed tear gas against a group of left-wing demonstrators chanting “Everyone hates the police”. Anticipating there might be violence post the election results, the French government had pressed an additional 30,000 police force to ensure that neither the far-left nor the far-right succeeded in “creating disorder". Notably, the final week of electioneering had also been marred by violence with several candidates, across party lines suffering physical attacks. “This campaign is short, less than three weeks. However, we have counted 51 candidates, deputies, or campaigners who have been physically assaulted. I am not counting verbal aggressions here,” said Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin over the weekend. Fearing protests, shopfronts and banks were also boarded up and barricades set up as viral images on social media showed. Watch | Left wins in France: What next? | France's far-right 'sad & disappointed' over election result × What happened in the election? According to reports, the leftwing New Popular Front won 182 seats, followed by Macron's Together alliance with 163 seats while Le Pen finished with 143 seats in the bag. Although the left-wing alliance emerged as the biggest winner, the number of seats were still more than 100 short of an absolute majority which stands at 289 in the 577-seat National Assembly. Also read | Explained: French elections ended in a hung parliament. What happens next? Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, who was appointed by the president only seven months ago, said he would hand in his resignation on Monday morning. Attal's fate now lies in Macron's hands as a stable government is needed with only three weeks to go before the start of the Paris Olympics. (With inputs from agencies

France elections: Violent clashes break out following left's surprise win

<p>As France gears up to vote in the final round of the rushed parliamentary elections on Sunday (Jul 7),&nbsp;National Rally's (NR) Marine Le Pen remains in the driving seat to dethrone Emmanuel Macron and form the&nbsp;first far-right government since World War II.</p>

<p>Le Pen's father Jean-Marie Le Pen founded NR (known as National Front between 1972 to 2018) which she joined in 1986 and later became the vice president in 2003. She succeded her father as the president in 2011 but remained in his shadows.</p>

<p>To craft her own identity, Le Pen, a twice-divorced mother of three, removed her father from the party in 2015 amidst a host of controversies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She ran for presidency in 2012, 2019 and 2022, albeit unsuccessfully. However, in the last two instances (2019, and 2022), she secured 33.9 per cent and 48.5 per cent of the votes respectively against Macron.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-elections-what-are-marine-le-pens-plans-for-france-736738"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;France elections: What are Marine Le Pen's plans for France?</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>What does Le Pen stand for?</strong></h2>

<p>Le Pen, akin to his father's core anti-immigration beliefs, remains stubborn on the issue. She has repeatedly called for lowering the number of immigrants permitted to enter France.</p>

<p>Le Pen's party has also proposed the restriction of the rights of immigrants to access some social services in France, including housing, and has supported the services’ preference for French nationals.</p>

<p>Under Le Pen, NR is also advocating the prohibition of Muslim women wearing headscarves in public spaces.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a recent interview, Le Pen chalked out her plans regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, stating that she would bar&nbsp;Ukraine from attacking Russia with French-supplied weapons and would stop any plans to deploy French troops to Ukraine to support the instructors already posted there.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-elections-2024-could-le-pens-far-right-seize-control-of-parliament-in-seismic-election-738592"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;French Elections 2024: Could Le Pen's far-right seize control of parliament in 'seismic' election?</strong></a></p>

<p>Le Pen has claimed that if she wins the presidency, Paris would withdraw&nbsp;from NATO's integrated command structure.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Le Pen's rise to the top, however, has not gone down well in certain sections of French society. French football star Kylian Mbappe recently warned that the country was in a&nbsp;“catastrophic” political situation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I think now, more than ever, you need to get (out to vote).&nbsp;It is an urgent juncture. We cannot let our country fall into the hands of these people. It is pressing, we saw the results, it is catastrophic," said Mbappe during the ongoing European Championship.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We really hope this is going to change, that everyone is going to rally together to go and vote, and vote for the right party.”</p>

<p>The final round of voting begins at&nbsp;08:00 (06:00 GMT) on Sunday and the first exit polls will be made public just 12 hours later.&nbsp;A party must win 289 seats in the 577-seat National Assembly for an outright majority.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As France gears up to vote in the final round of the rushed parliamentary elections on Sunday (Jul 7), National Rally's (NR) Marine Le Pen remains in the driving seat to dethrone Emmanuel Macron and form the first far-right government since World War II.

As France gears up to vote in the final round of the rushed parliamentary elections on Sunday (Jul 7), National Rally's (NR) Marine Le Pen remains in the driving seat to dethrone Emmanuel Macron and form the first far-right government since World War II. Le Pen's father Jean-Marie Le Pen founded NR (known as National Front between 1972 to 2018) which she joined in 1986 and later became the vice president in 2003. She succeded her father as the president in 2011 but remained in his shadows. To craft her own identity, Le Pen, a twice-divorced mother of three, removed her father from the party in 2015 amidst a host of controversies. She ran for presidency in 2012, 2019 and 2022, albeit unsuccessfully. However, in the last two instances (2019, and 2022), she secured 33.9 per cent and 48.5 per cent of the votes respectively against Macron. Watch | France elections: What are Marine Le Pen's plans for France? × What does Le Pen stand for? Le Pen, akin to his father's core anti-immigration beliefs, remains stubborn on the issue. She has repeatedly called for lowering the number of immigrants permitted to enter France. Le Pen's party has also proposed the restriction of the rights of immigrants to access some social services in France, including housing, and has supported the services’ preference for French nationals. Under Le Pen, NR is also advocating the prohibition of Muslim women wearing headscarves in public spaces. In a recent interview, Le Pen chalked out her plans regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, stating that she would bar Ukraine from attacking Russia with French-supplied weapons and would stop any plans to deploy French troops to Ukraine to support the instructors already posted there. Also read | French Elections 2024: Could Le Pen's far-right seize control of parliament in 'seismic' election? Le Pen has claimed that if she wins the presidency, Paris would withdraw from NATO's integrated command structure. Le Pen's rise to the top, however, has not gone down well in certain sections of French society. French football star Kylian Mbappe recently warned that the country was in a “catastrophic” political situation. “I think now, more than ever, you need to get (out to vote). It is an urgent juncture. We cannot let our country fall into the hands of these people. It is pressing, we saw the results, it is catastrophic," said Mbappe during the ongoing European Championship. “We really hope this is going to change, that everyone is going to rally together to go and vote, and vote for the right party.” The final round of voting begins at 08:00 (06:00 GMT) on Sunday and the first exit polls will be made public just 12 hours later. A party must win 289 seats in the 577-seat National Assembly for an outright majority. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Marine Le Pen, far-right French leader, challenging Macron?

France's election on Sunday looked set to produce a hung parliament. Leftist alliance is in the lead but without an absolute majority. Watch this video for all details.

France election 2024: No party has a majority, so what comes next?

<p>Contrary to most opinion polls that predicted a sweep by Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally (RN) party, the second round of the French parliamentary elections have served a major surprise. The left-wing alliance has won the most seats, beating both the far right and President Emmanuel Macron's centrist coalition.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports,&nbsp;the leftwing New Popular Front won 182 seats, followed by Macron's Together alliance with 163 seats while Le Pen finished with 143 seats in the bag. Although the left-wing alliance emerged as the biggest winner, the number of seats were still more than 100 short of an absolute majority which stands at 289 in the 577-seat National Assembly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The French left will choose a candidate for prime minister from within their coalition within the week,&nbsp;Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, RN leader Jordan Bardella, who was touted to be the youngest prime minister in the country, blamed "unnatural political alliances" for stopping their rise to power.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, after the disappointing first round of elections,&nbsp;France’s left wing and centre banded together to form a coalition called the Republican Front to try and block RN from amassing an absolute majority. They did so by withdrawing 200 of their candidates where there was a possibility of three-way races.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The left-wing alliance is led by radical leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon whose&nbsp;France Unbowed (LFI) is regarded as far-left by political commentators and rivals. LFI emerged as the single largest party by winning 94 seats in the assembly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the win, Mélenchon was quick to remind Macron to tender his resignation and accept the defeat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The president's defeat is clear; the president must accept his defeat, the prime minister must go," said&nbsp;Mélenchon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The president has the power and the duty to call us, the New Popular Front to govern. We are ready," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/french-elections-2024-run-off-elections-may-lead-to-a-hung-parliament-polls-738758"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;French Elections 2024: Run-off elections may lead to a hung parliament: Polls</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>PM to hand resignation</strong></h2>

<p>While Macron is yet to take a call, Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, who was appointed by the president only seven months ago, said he would hand in his resignation on Monday morning.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Tomorrow morning I will hand in my resignation," he said. "A new era starts tonight."</p>

<p>Attal's fate now lies in the president's hands as a stable government is needed with only three weeks to go before the start of the Paris Olympics. The popular PM said he was ready to remain in the post "for as long as duty demands".&nbsp;</p>

<p>As for Macron, the outcome of the legislative elections, called&nbsp;three years ahead of schedule in a bid to reshape the political landscape by him, leaves France without any clear path to forming a new government. The president now has the task to steer France through its most severe political uncertainty in decades which appears to have been engineered by his 'snap' decision.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Contrary to most opinion polls that predicted a sweep by Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally (RN) party, the second round of the French parliamentary elections have served a major surprise.

Contrary to most opinion polls that predicted a sweep by Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally (RN) party, the second round of the French parliamentary elections have served a major surprise. The left-wing alliance has won the most seats, beating both the far right and President Emmanuel Macron's centrist coalition. According to reports, the leftwing New Popular Front won 182 seats, followed by Macron's Together alliance with 163 seats while Le Pen finished with 143 seats in the bag. Although the left-wing alliance emerged as the biggest winner, the number of seats were still more than 100 short of an absolute majority which stands at 289 in the 577-seat National Assembly. The French left will choose a candidate for prime minister from within their coalition within the week, Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure said. Meanwhile, RN leader Jordan Bardella, who was touted to be the youngest prime minister in the country, blamed "unnatural political alliances" for stopping their rise to power. Notably, after the disappointing first round of elections, France’s left wing and centre banded together to form a coalition called the Republican Front to try and block RN from amassing an absolute majority. They did so by withdrawing 200 of their candidates where there was a possibility of three-way races. The left-wing alliance is led by radical leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon whose France Unbowed (LFI) is regarded as far-left by political commentators and rivals. LFI emerged as the single largest party by winning 94 seats in the assembly. After the win, Mélenchon was quick to remind Macron to tender his resignation and accept the defeat. "The president's defeat is clear; the president must accept his defeat, the prime minister must go," said Mélenchon. "The president has the power and the duty to call us, the New Popular Front to govern. We are ready," he added. Watch | French Elections 2024: Run-off elections may lead to a hung parliament: Polls × PM to hand resignation While Macron is yet to take a call, Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, who was appointed by the president only seven months ago, said he would hand in his resignation on Monday morning. "Tomorrow morning I will hand in my resignation," he said. "A new era starts tonight." Attal's fate now lies in the president's hands as a stable government is needed with only three weeks to go before the start of the Paris Olympics. The popular PM said he was ready to remain in the post "for as long as duty demands". As for Macron, the outcome of the legislative elections, called three years ahead of schedule in a bid to reshape the political landscape by him, leaves France without any clear path to forming a new government. The president now has the task to steer France through its most severe political uncertainty in decades which appears to have been engineered by his 'snap' decision. (With inputs from agencies)

France elections: Winning leftist alliance to name PM later this week

<p>As France on Sunday (Jul&nbsp;7) holds its potentially 'seismic' snap legislative elections, far-right National Rally (RN) leader Jordan Bardella looks poised to become the prime minister. This significant feat at the young age of 28 depends on&nbsp;his party securing a majority, which, as per exit polls, is a huge possibility.</p>

<p>The elections, scheduled in two rounds on June 30, which the far right won, and July 7 (Sunday), could mark a significant shift in French politics and the face of this change is Bardella.</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Jordan Bardella?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Twenty-eight-year-old Bardella has had humble beginnings. From the social housing block in the outskirts of Paris where he grew up, to the helm of RN, Bardella has had nothing short of a meteoric rise.</p>

<p>His rags-to-riches story, from being raised by a single mother in a drab tower block in the crime-blighted northern Paris suburbs to potentially becoming the nation's PM, has struck a chord with many voters.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-elections-2024-could-le-pens-far-right-seize-control-of-parliament-in-seismic-election-738592">French Elections 2024: Could Le Pen's far-right seize control of parliament in 'seismic' election?</a></strong></p>

<p>The young politician, as per AFP, has helped rejuvenate the RN party's image, long tainted by racism and anti-Semitism.</p>

<p>Under his watch, the National Rally (RN) achieved record scores in this month's European elections and won the first round of legislative polls on Sunday (June 30).</p>

<h2><strong>Bardella's Meteoric Rise</strong></h2>

<p>Jordan Bardella joined the National Front, at the age of 16, reports Reuters.</p>

<p>His prominence surged when, at the age of 23, he led the RN to a top spot in the 2019 European elections, edging out President Macron's centrist party.</p>

<p>In 2022, Bardella cemented his leadership within RN by winning nearly 85 per cent of party members' votes, thereby succeeding Marine Le Pen as the party president. This made him the first person outside the Le Pen dynasty to lead the party.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-marine-le-pen-far-right-french-leader-set-to-dethrone-macron-738624">Who is Marine Le Pen, far-right French leader, set to dethrone Macron?</a></strong></p>

<p>Known for his sharp wit and compelling media presence, Bardella has emerged as a formidable opponent to Macron's administration.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The fact that he is unburdened by 'Le Pen' the most notorious surname in French politics helped him, and in turn, the party expand&nbsp;its vote among pensioners, young people and university graduates —&nbsp;who were reluctant previously to support the anti-immigration party, reports AFP.</p>

<p>In a statement last week, the young leader said he wanted to be the "prime minister of all French" respectful of the constitution in a "cohabitation" with President Emmanuel Macron, but "uncompromising".</p>

<p>"The French people have handed down a clear verdict," he said after his party came out on top in the first round of snap legislative elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As France on Sunday (Jul 7) holds its potentially 'seismic' snap legislative elections, far-right National Rally (RN) leader Jordan Bardella looks poised to become the prime minister.

As France on Sunday (Jul 7) holds its potentially 'seismic' snap legislative elections, far-right National Rally (RN) leader Jordan Bardella looks poised to become the prime minister. This significant feat at the young age of 28 depends on his party securing a majority, which, as per exit polls, is a huge possibility. The elections, scheduled in two rounds on June 30, which the far right won, and July 7 (Sunday), could mark a significant shift in French politics and the face of this change is Bardella. Who is Jordan Bardella? Twenty-eight-year-old Bardella has had humble beginnings. From the social housing block in the outskirts of Paris where he grew up, to the helm of RN, Bardella has had nothing short of a meteoric rise. His rags-to-riches story, from being raised by a single mother in a drab tower block in the crime-blighted northern Paris suburbs to potentially becoming the nation's PM, has struck a chord with many voters. Also read | French Elections 2024: Could Le Pen's far-right seize control of parliament in 'seismic' election? The young politician, as per AFP, has helped rejuvenate the RN party's image, long tainted by racism and anti-Semitism. Under his watch, the National Rally (RN) achieved record scores in this month's European elections and won the first round of legislative polls on Sunday (June 30). Bardella's Meteoric Rise Jordan Bardella joined the National Front, at the age of 16, reports Reuters. His prominence surged when, at the age of 23, he led the RN to a top spot in the 2019 European elections, edging out President Macron's centrist party. In 2022, Bardella cemented his leadership within RN by winning nearly 85 per cent of party members' votes, thereby succeeding Marine Le Pen as the party president. This made him the first person outside the Le Pen dynasty to lead the party. Also read | Who is Marine Le Pen, far-right French leader, set to dethrone Macron? Known for his sharp wit and compelling media presence, Bardella has emerged as a formidable opponent to Macron's administration. The fact that he is unburdened by 'Le Pen' the most notorious surname in French politics helped him, and in turn, the party expand its vote among pensioners, young people and university graduates — who were reluctant previously to support the anti-immigration party, reports AFP. In a statement last week, the young leader said he wanted to be the "prime minister of all French" respectful of the constitution in a "cohabitation" with President Emmanuel Macron, but "uncompromising". "The French people have handed down a clear verdict," he said after his party came out on top in the first round of snap legislative elections. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Jordan Bardella? Far-right leader poised to become France's youngest Prime Minister

Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally (RN) party scored historic gains to win the first round of France's parliamentary election on Sunday, exit polls showed, but the final result will depend on days of horsetrading before next week's run-off.

French Election 2024: Far right wins first round in elections, final result uncertain

<p>The first round of French National Assembly on Sunday has raised the prospects of a far-right government for the first time since the World War era. But in France, the elections or government formation is not that simple. The mandatory second round for constituencies with unclear mandates could tilt the outcome even though slightly. That is the best hope for President Emmanuel Macron whose coalition came in third after the voting on Sunday (June 30).</p>

<p><strong>Here are the current situation and the possible scenarios in future:</strong></p>

<p>At the time of writing this, exit polls suggested far-right National Rally or RN led by Marine Le Pen won 34 per cent of votes while President Macron’s centrist alliance called Together fared third at 20.3 per cent. The Left-Green coalition New Popular Front or NFP is set to be better than Together, at 29 per cent.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-election-high-turnout-seen-as-far-right-eyes-historic-win-736550">France elections: High turnout seen as expats cast vote in snap polls; far-right eyes historic win</a></strong></p>

<p>While the final numbers are not yet in, the far-right is confident of winning enough seats to form a government.</p>

<p>If 28-year-old Jordan Bardella, Le Pen's prodigy&nbsp;and RN leader, eventually becomes prime minister, that will lead to Macron becoming a lame-duck president for the rest of his term.</p>

<h2><strong>How can Macron escape the rout? What are his chances?</strong></h2>

<p>There are two things happening. On the ground, left and centrist supporters have taken to the streets to protest against the far-right. The hope, it appears, is to show how dangerous it would be if a far-right government takes over and&nbsp;rally support for alternative outcomes.</p>

<p>This, they hope, would make more voters to turn up in the second round, and avert a tectonic shift of French politics towards the right.</p>

<h2><strong>Alliance-building and deal-making: Macron's last option?</strong></h2>

<p>Macron could forge electorial tie-ups with other parties to help cobble up an anti-far-right coalition.</p>

<p><strong>Here's how the numbers stack up:</strong></p>

<p>Out of the 577 seats, those where the leading candidate did not poll more than 50% of votes will have to go into second round on Sunday, as per the election rules of France. The two candidates who got the highest votes in such constituencies, plus anyone who got at least 12.5% of registered votes will go into the second round.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;France snap elections: Far-right takes lead in round 1, What's next? | Race To Power</strong></p>

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<p>In this year's election, the number of such seats are projected to be up to 80. The largest number of second round elections in the past was in 1997, which saw polling in 76 seats.</p>

<p>In the past elections, most of the second rounds were between two candidates, meaning two main parties or blocs. But this time, many of them are going to see triangular contests between the left, centrist and far-right parties.</p>

<p>As the RN has the largest vote share of the first round, they might have an edge in second round too.</p>

<p>But the centrists and leftists have an option: one of the fronts can drop their candidate in order for the other to win in tactical voting, so that a front can be formed against the far right.</p>

<p>This is where Macron's challenge lies: Can he convince the leftist to drop their candidates?</p>

<p>Even if that happens, will the voters change their voting pattern in favour of the candidate who, in the first round, was an opponent of their party candidate?</p>

<h2><strong>Who are the players and kingmakers?</strong></h2>

<p>The left-green NFP alliance includes four parties. They have agreed in principle to withdraw the NFP candidates from seats where RN is in first place or NFP candidate is third.</p>

<p>But will Macron return the favour in cases where his party/bloc candidates are third?</p>

<p>Macron thinks the NFP consists of 'extreme' left parties and is yet to be flexible on this. While the Prime Minister Gabriel Attal is in favour of third-placed candidates from Macron's coalition withdrawing from the race, neither the president nor the candidates have made firm commitments to this effect at the time of writing this.</p>

<p>While an Ipsos poll said 87% NFP voters are ready to vote for &nbsp;other candidates in order to keep out RN, only 62% of Together&nbsp;coalition voters are ready to do the same.</p>

<p>Odoxa's polls found that only 41% were willing to block RN. Those willing to block NPF are highest at 47% while 44% are ready to block Together from winning.</p>

<p>So in the coming days, Macron will have to negotiate his way through individual party leaders - including the ones he disparaged during campaign- and create 'deals' on individual constituencies.</p>

<p>It all depends on how much he, and the others like Leftist firebrand leaders&nbsp;Jean-Luc Mélenchon in NFP- are willing to play ball.</p>


The first round of French National Assembly on Sunday has raised the prospects of a far-right government for the first time since the World War era. But in France, the elections or government formation is not that simple.

The first round of French National Assembly on Sunday has raised the prospects of a far-right government for the first time since the World War era. But in France, the elections or government formation is not that simple. The mandatory second round for constituencies with unclear mandates could tilt the outcome even though slightly. That is the best hope for President Emmanuel Macron whose coalition came in third after the voting on Sunday (June 30). Here are the current situation and the possible scenarios in future: At the time of writing this, exit polls suggested far-right National Rally or RN led by Marine Le Pen won 34 per cent of votes while President Macron’s centrist alliance called Together fared third at 20.3 per cent. The Left-Green coalition New Popular Front or NFP is set to be better than Together, at 29 per cent. Also read | France elections: High turnout seen as expats cast vote in snap polls; far-right eyes historic win While the final numbers are not yet in, the far-right is confident of winning enough seats to form a government. If 28-year-old Jordan Bardella, Le Pen's prodigy and RN leader, eventually becomes prime minister, that will lead to Macron becoming a lame-duck president for the rest of his term. How can Macron escape the rout? What are his chances? There are two things happening. On the ground, left and centrist supporters have taken to the streets to protest against the far-right. The hope, it appears, is to show how dangerous it would be if a far-right government takes over and rally support for alternative outcomes. This, they hope, would make more voters to turn up in the second round, and avert a tectonic shift of French politics towards the right. Alliance-building and deal-making: Macron's last option? Macron could forge electorial tie-ups with other parties to help cobble up an anti-far-right coalition. Here's how the numbers stack up: Out of the 577 seats, those where the leading candidate did not poll more than 50% of votes will have to go into second round on Sunday, as per the election rules of France. The two candidates who got the highest votes in such constituencies, plus anyone who got at least 12.5% of registered votes will go into the second round. Also watch | France snap elections: Far-right takes lead in round 1, What's next? | Race To Power × In this year's election, the number of such seats are projected to be up to 80. The largest number of second round elections in the past was in 1997, which saw polling in 76 seats. In the past elections, most of the second rounds were between two candidates, meaning two main parties or blocs. But this time, many of them are going to see triangular contests between the left, centrist and far-right parties. As the RN has the largest vote share of the first round, they might have an edge in second round too. But the centrists and leftists have an option: one of the fronts can drop their candidate in order for the other to win in tactical voting, so that a front can be formed against the far right. This is where Macron's challenge lies: Can he convince the leftist to drop their candidates? Even if that happens, will the voters change their voting pattern in favour of the candidate who, in the first round, was an opponent of their party candidate? Who are the players and kingmakers? The left-green NFP alliance includes four parties. They have agreed in principle to withdraw the NFP candidates from seats where RN is in first place or NFP candidate is third. But will Macron return the favour in cases where his party/bloc candidates are third? Macron thinks the NFP consists of 'extreme' left parties and is yet to be flexible on this. While the Prime Minister Gabriel Attal is in favour of third-placed candidates from Macron's coalition withdrawing from the race, neither the president nor the candidates have made firm commitments to this effect at the time of writing this. While an Ipsos poll said 87% NFP voters are ready to vote for other candidates in order to keep out RN, only 62% of Together coalition voters are ready to do the same. Odoxa's polls found that only 41% were willing to block RN. Those willing to block NPF are highest at 47% while 44% are ready to block Together from winning. So in the coming days, Macron will have to negotiate his way through individual party leaders - including the ones he disparaged during campaign- and create 'deals' on individual constituencies. It all depends on how much he, and the others like Leftist firebrand leaders Jean-Luc Mélenchon in NFP- are willing to play ball.

French elections: Far-right wins first round but Macron might have one last chance. Here's how

<p>A decade ago, he would spend hours playing video games on his mobile phone as a teenager. Now, he is well poised to take on the role of French prime minister. Jordan Bardella might be on his way to becoming the youngest PM of France, that too by a long way. His National Rally (RN) party, under the leadership of firebrand politician Marine Le Pen, is looking to emerge as the largest political party in French parliamentary elections that President Emmanuel Macron called after a crushing defeat in the European elections.</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Jordan Bardella?</strong></h2>

<p>Bardella, a hardcore right-wing leader, rose to fame through his anti-immigration rants. Having grown up in the banlieue of Seine-Saint-Denis, a Parisian suburb, Bardella says he has experienced firsthand the lawlessness that unchecked immigration has brought to France.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjR3NOtwYOHAxWPbGwGHTPKCH0QxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-elections-voters-to-cast-ballots-in-snap-polls-as-far-right-seeks-historic-win-736445" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/france-elections-voters-to-cast-ballots-in-snap-polls-as-far-right-seeks-historic-win-736445&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjR3NOtwYOHAxWPbGwGHTPKCH0QxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE">France elections: Voters cast ballots in snap polls as far right seeks historic win</a></strong></p>

<p>“I have seen these lost areas of the French Republic become conquests of Islamism,” he said during a rally in 2022. “I have felt, like you and like millions of French citizens, the pain of becoming a foreigner in your own country.”</p>

<p>Bardella was born to parents of Italian origin and his father ran a drinks distribution business. He joined the RN in 2012 at 16. He later dropped out of an undergraduate course before shifting full-time to politics.</p>

<p>At the age of 21, he was appointed as party spokesperson by Marine Le Pen. In 2019, he was put in charge of heading the party’s list at the European elections, which the RN won.</p>

<h2><strong>Popular among young voters</strong></h2>

<p>With 1.3 million followers on social media network TikTok, Bardella's connect with young voters is definitely an asset to the party. He presents a softer version of 55-year-old Le Pen and her father's 'radical' and sometimes 'racist' ideas and appeals better to a balanced electorate.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;France Snap Elections: Three major political blocs in the fray</strong></p>

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<p>According to observers, his clean reputation may work wonders for the performance of his party in the upcoming elections.</p>

<p>“His name is not Le Pen, he never got into any controversy and was very cautious about what he was saying,” Sebastien Maillard, associate fellow at Chatham House, was quoted as saying by Al Jazeera.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A decade ago, he would spend hours playing video games on his mobile phone as a teenager. Now, he is well poised to take on the role of French prime minister. Jordan Bardella might be on his way to becoming the youngest PM of France, that too by a long way.

A decade ago, he would spend hours playing video games on his mobile phone as a teenager. Now, he is well poised to take on the role of French prime minister. Jordan Bardella might be on his way to becoming the youngest PM of France, that too by a long way. His National Rally (RN) party, under the leadership of firebrand politician Marine Le Pen, is looking to emerge as the largest political party in French parliamentary elections that President Emmanuel Macron called after a crushing defeat in the European elections. Who is Jordan Bardella? Bardella, a hardcore right-wing leader, rose to fame through his anti-immigration rants. Having grown up in the banlieue of Seine-Saint-Denis, a Parisian suburb, Bardella says he has experienced firsthand the lawlessness that unchecked immigration has brought to France. Also read: France elections: Voters cast ballots in snap polls as far right seeks historic win “I have seen these lost areas of the French Republic become conquests of Islamism,” he said during a rally in 2022. “I have felt, like you and like millions of French citizens, the pain of becoming a foreigner in your own country.” Bardella was born to parents of Italian origin and his father ran a drinks distribution business. He joined the RN in 2012 at 16. He later dropped out of an undergraduate course before shifting full-time to politics. At the age of 21, he was appointed as party spokesperson by Marine Le Pen. In 2019, he was put in charge of heading the party’s list at the European elections, which the RN won. Popular among young voters With 1.3 million followers on social media network TikTok, Bardella's connect with young voters is definitely an asset to the party. He presents a softer version of 55-year-old Le Pen and her father's 'radical' and sometimes 'racist' ideas and appeals better to a balanced electorate. Watch: France Snap Elections: Three major political blocs in the fray × According to observers, his clean reputation may work wonders for the performance of his party in the upcoming elections. “His name is not Le Pen, he never got into any controversy and was very cautious about what he was saying,” Sebastien Maillard, associate fellow at Chatham House, was quoted as saying by Al Jazeera. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Jordan Bardella, Marine Le Pen's protégé eying French PM seat?

<p>French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday (June 23) vowed to "act until May 2027" no matter who wins the snap parliamentary elections scheduled for June 30 and July 7.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The incoming government, which will necessarily reflect your vote, will I hope resemble the various Republicans who will have shown the courage to oppose the extremes," Macron said in an open letter published in regional papers.</p>

<p>The French president took Europe's capitals by surprise when he dissolved Assemblée Nationale after the far right trounced his coalition in the European Parliament elections earlier this month.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/france-europes-least-favoured-stock-market-732819">France: Europe's 'least favoured' stock market?</a></strong></p>

<p>"The goal cannot be to just continue as things were," Macron said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I have heard that you want change."</p>

<p>"You can trust me to act until May 2027 as your president, protector at every moment of our republic, our values, respectful of pluralism and your choices, at your service and that of the nation," he added.</p>

<p>He also noted "this fracture between the people and those who lead the country, which we have not succeeded in reducing."</p>

<p>"The goal cannot be to just continue as things were. I have heard that you want change,” he added, noting in particular his administration’s “much stronger and firmer responses" on "insecurity and impunity".</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;France to hold snap elections between June 30 &amp; July 7</strong></p>

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<p>But Macron insisted that the coming vote, with a second round on July 7, was "neither a presidential election nor a vote of confidence in the president of the republic".</p>

<p>Instead, it was a chance to answer "a single question: who should govern France?"</p>

<p>Macron also acknowledged that his decision to call the snap polls had generated for some voters "anger that has turned against me. The goal cannot be to just continue as things were. I have heard that you want change," he added, noting, in particular, his administration's "much stronger and firmer responses" on "insecurity and impunity."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday (June 23) vowed to "act until May 2027" no matter who wins the snap parliamentary elections scheduled for June 30 and July 7.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday (June 23) vowed to "act until May 2027" no matter who wins the snap parliamentary elections scheduled for June 30 and July 7. "The incoming government, which will necessarily reflect your vote, will I hope resemble the various Republicans who will have shown the courage to oppose the extremes," Macron said in an open letter published in regional papers. The French president took Europe's capitals by surprise when he dissolved Assemblée Nationale after the far right trounced his coalition in the European Parliament elections earlier this month. Also read | France: Europe's 'least favoured' stock market? "The goal cannot be to just continue as things were," Macron said. "I have heard that you want change." "You can trust me to act until May 2027 as your president, protector at every moment of our republic, our values, respectful of pluralism and your choices, at your service and that of the nation," he added. He also noted "this fracture between the people and those who lead the country, which we have not succeeded in reducing." "The goal cannot be to just continue as things were. I have heard that you want change,” he added, noting in particular his administration’s “much stronger and firmer responses" on "insecurity and impunity". Also watch | France to hold snap elections between June 30 & July 7 × But Macron insisted that the coming vote, with a second round on July 7, was "neither a presidential election nor a vote of confidence in the president of the republic". Instead, it was a chance to answer "a single question: who should govern France?" Macron also acknowledged that his decision to call the snap polls had generated for some voters "anger that has turned against me. The goal cannot be to just continue as things were. I have heard that you want change," he added, noting, in particular, his administration's "much stronger and firmer responses" on "insecurity and impunity." (With inputs from agencies)

France snap elections: Macron vows to stay in charge 'until 2027' as far right eyes rout

<p>Two women in France went on trial on Wednesday (June 19) over false claims that the country's first lady, Brigitte Macron, was transgender. These claims, propagated by conspiracy theorists and the far right, alleged that Brigitte Macron had once been a man named "Jean-Michel".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The rumour, as per AFP, went viral online just weeks before the 2022 presidential election.</p>

<h2><strong>A 'state lie' and a libel case</strong></h2>

<p>In 2022, Brigitte Macron filed a libel complaint against the two women.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The trial for defamation charges comes during a heated campaign for snap legislative elections called by Brigitte Macron's husband, French President Emmanuel Macron, after his party was defeated by the far right in the EU parliament elections.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-forces-destroy-two-houthi-targets-in-yemen-amid-red-sea-ship-attacks-733326">US forces destroy two Houthi targets in Yemen amid Red Sea ship attacks</a></strong></p>

<p>Amandine Roy, a 49-year-old self-proclaimed spiritual medium, appeared in court in Paris on Wednesday. She was questioned about her YouTube interview with Natacha Rey, an independent journalist who claimed to have uncovered a "state lie" and "scam" regarding Brigitte Macron's identity. Rey did not attend the trial, citing illness.</p>

<p>The self-proclaimed spiritual medium stated that Rey was "desperate to share her work,"&nbsp;which she had conducted over three years. She said she had merely "acquiesced to her request," adding, "My regret is that this wasn't taken up and investigated by the mainstream media."&nbsp;</p>

<p>She said that she could not bring herself to "hide" such a "serious" topic.</p>

<p>Neither President Macron nor the first lady attended the court proceedings. A decision on the case is expected on September 12.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-lands-in-vietnam-after-signing-defence-pact-with-north-korea-irks-us-733328">Putin arrives in Vietnam after signing defence pact with North Korea, irks US</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Brigitte Macron or Jean-Michel</strong></h2>

<p>Per the conspiracy theory, Brigitte Macron, formerly Brigitte Trogneux, never existed. It suggests that the First Lady's brother Jean-Michel actually changed gender and assumed the Brigitte Trogneux identity.</p>

<p>The false claims, as per AFP, have also led to serious accusations of child abuse against Brigitte Macron. Her lawyer, Jean Ennochi, said that the "prejudice is massive, it exploded everywhere." They are&nbsp;demanding €10,000 ($10,750) each in compensation for Brigitte Macron and her brother.</p>

<p>The disinformation even reached the United States, where Brigitte Macron was attacked in a now-deleted YouTube video before the November elections.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Two women in France went on trial on Wednesday (June 19) over false claims that the country's first lady, Brigitte Macron, was transgender. These claims, propagated by conspiracy theorists and the far right, alleged that Brigitte Macron had once been a man named "Jean-Michel".

Two women in France went on trial on Wednesday (June 19) over false claims that the country's first lady, Brigitte Macron, was transgender. These claims, propagated by conspiracy theorists and the far right, alleged that Brigitte Macron had once been a man named "Jean-Michel". The rumour, as per AFP, went viral online just weeks before the 2022 presidential election. A 'state lie' and a libel case In 2022, Brigitte Macron filed a libel complaint against the two women. The trial for defamation charges comes during a heated campaign for snap legislative elections called by Brigitte Macron's husband, French President Emmanuel Macron, after his party was defeated by the far right in the EU parliament elections. Also read | US forces destroy two Houthi targets in Yemen amid Red Sea ship attacks Amandine Roy, a 49-year-old self-proclaimed spiritual medium, appeared in court in Paris on Wednesday. She was questioned about her YouTube interview with Natacha Rey, an independent journalist who claimed to have uncovered a "state lie" and "scam" regarding Brigitte Macron's identity. Rey did not attend the trial, citing illness. The self-proclaimed spiritual medium stated that Rey was "desperate to share her work," which she had conducted over three years. She said she had merely "acquiesced to her request," adding, "My regret is that this wasn't taken up and investigated by the mainstream media." She said that she could not bring herself to "hide" such a "serious" topic. Neither President Macron nor the first lady attended the court proceedings. A decision on the case is expected on September 12. Also read | Putin arrives in Vietnam after signing defence pact with North Korea, irks US Brigitte Macron or Jean-Michel Per the conspiracy theory, Brigitte Macron, formerly Brigitte Trogneux, never existed. It suggests that the First Lady's brother Jean-Michel actually changed gender and assumed the Brigitte Trogneux identity. The false claims, as per AFP, have also led to serious accusations of child abuse against Brigitte Macron. Her lawyer, Jean Ennochi, said that the "prejudice is massive, it exploded everywhere." They are demanding €10,000 ($10,750) each in compensation for Brigitte Macron and her brother. The disinformation even reached the United States, where Brigitte Macron was attacked in a now-deleted YouTube video before the November elections. (With inputs from agencies)

Defamation trial begins for women who claimed Emmanuel Macron's wife Brigitte was transgender

French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday faced accusations of transphobia after lashing out at the snap election manifesto of a new left-wing coalition. Watch in for more details!

France: Emmanuel Macron faces transphobia accusations

<p>French President Emmanuel Macron called for moderate politicians from the left and the right to come together in order to defeat Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally (RN) in an upcoming snap legislative election.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Macron on Sunday announced that he was dissolving the parliament after the far-right defeated his centrist alliance in EU polls. Macron called snap legislative elections on June 30 and July 7.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Just a few days after the shocking announcement, Macron said that he wants "men and women of goodwill who were able to say 'no' to extremes to join together to be able to build a joint project" for the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macrons-great-gamble-why-french-president-dissolved-parliament-what-if-his-party-loses-730607">Macron's great gamble: Why did French president dissolve parliament? What if his party loses?</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>He acknowledged making mistakes, saying people had expressed their indignation but he also added that he felt they were not being heard.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I hope that when the time comes, men and women of goodwill who will have been able to say no to the extremes will come together... will put themselves in a position to build a shared, sincere project that is useful to the country," Macron told journalists.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The answer, in my eyes, could not come through changing the government or a coalition... dissolving parliament was necessary," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Macro further said that he doesn't want to give the keys of power to the extreme right in 2027. "So I fully accept having triggered a movement to provide clarification," he said, claiming that RN policies would impoverish workers and retirees.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-police-charge-man-who-hurled-objects-at-british-right-wing-leader-nigel-farage-731139">UK police charge man who hurled objects at British right-wing leader Nigel Farage</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch this report:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>What if RN wins a parliamentary majority?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Macron would remain president for three more years and direct defence and foreign policy if RN were to win a parliamentary majority.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, he would lose control over the domestic agenda, including economic policy, security, immigration and finances. He has said in advance he would not quit if his ruling alliance loses.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He called "many of our compatriots and political leaders who do not recognise themselves in the extremist fever" to "build a new project ... a coalition to govern, a coalition to act in the service of the French and for the republic".&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


French President Emmanuel Macron called for moderate politicians from the left and the right to come together in order to defeat Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally (RN) in an upcoming snap legislative election.

French President Emmanuel Macron called for moderate politicians from the left and the right to come together in order to defeat Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally (RN) in an upcoming snap legislative election. Macron on Sunday announced that he was dissolving the parliament after the far-right defeated his centrist alliance in EU polls. Macron called snap legislative elections on June 30 and July 7. Just a few days after the shocking announcement, Macron said that he wants "men and women of goodwill who were able to say 'no' to extremes to join together to be able to build a joint project" for the country. Also read: Macron's great gamble: Why did French president dissolve parliament? What if his party loses? He acknowledged making mistakes, saying people had expressed their indignation but he also added that he felt they were not being heard. "I hope that when the time comes, men and women of goodwill who will have been able to say no to the extremes will come together... will put themselves in a position to build a shared, sincere project that is useful to the country," Macron told journalists. "The answer, in my eyes, could not come through changing the government or a coalition... dissolving parliament was necessary," he added. Macro further said that he doesn't want to give the keys of power to the extreme right in 2027. "So I fully accept having triggered a movement to provide clarification," he said, claiming that RN policies would impoverish workers and retirees. Also read: UK police charge man who hurled objects at British right-wing leader Nigel Farage Watch this report: × What if RN wins a parliamentary majority? Macron would remain president for three more years and direct defence and foreign policy if RN were to win a parliamentary majority. However, he would lose control over the domestic agenda, including economic policy, security, immigration and finances. He has said in advance he would not quit if his ruling alliance loses. He called "many of our compatriots and political leaders who do not recognise themselves in the extremist fever" to "build a new project ... a coalition to govern, a coalition to act in the service of the French and for the republic". (With inputs from agencies)

French President Emmanuel Macron calls for anti-extremist alliance in snap elections

<p class="MsoNormal">The euro collapsed dramatically on Monday, impacted by political upheaval in France following President Emmanuel Macron's demand for an early legislative election. Meanwhile, the dollar held solid ahead of the Federal Reserve's meeting later this week.<o:p></o:p></p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal"><b>Euro drops on Macron's election gamble<o:p></o:p></b></h2>

<p class="MsoNormal">The euro fell significantly, reaching a one-month low of $1.07485 during Asian trading hours. This fall followed Macron's surprising decision to call an election to reestablish his power. The decision comes on the heels of significant victories for far-right Eurosceptic nationalists in the European Union election. Despite these increases, an aggregated exit poll predicted that the centre, liberal, and socialist parties would maintain a majority in the European Parliament.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">As of the latest trading, the euro was down 0.44 per cent at $1.0753, representing a year-to-date fall of more than 2.5 per cent against the dollar. The currency also sank to its lowest level against the pound since August 2022 and dipped 0.2 per cent against the yen.<o:p></o:p></p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal"><b>Dollar strengthened by robust jobs report<o:p></o:p></b></h2>

<p class="MsoNormal">The dollar's strength was boosted by stronger-than-expected US jobs data announced on Friday. Nonfarm payrolls rose by 272,000 jobs last month, considerably exceeding the 185,000 predicted in a Reuters survey. This report has reduced expectations for Fed rate decreases, implying that the central bank may delay the start of its easing cycle this year.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The dollar index, which compares the US currency to six major rivals, increased 0.18 per cent to 105.25, after reaching a nearly one-month high of 105.30 earlier in the session.<o:p></o:p></p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal"><b>ECB and Fed policy divergence<o:p></o:p></b></h2>

<p class="MsoNormal">The European Central Bank (ECB) and the Federal Reserve's opposing monetary policies have put additional pressure on the euro. The ECB began its easing cycle last week, a move that was widely anticipated, but provided little insight into future policy direction as inflation remained over target.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">In contrast, the Federal Reserve is expected to hold interest rates steady during its upcoming meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday. Market investors will pay particular attention to Fed Chair Jerome Powell's comments and any revisions to economic estimates. Another important consideration for investors will be inflation data from the United States, which is due on Wednesday.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Charu Chanana, head of currency strategy at Saxo, commented on the situation: "This is adding to the downside pressures for the currency after the ECB kicked off its easing cycle last week, while the Fed may be delaying its rate cuts for now."<o:p></o:p></p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal"><b>Asian markets and Yen movements<o:p></o:p></b></h2>

<p class="MsoNormal">Markets in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Australia were closed for holidays, restricting regional trade activity. Meanwhile, the Japanese yen fell to 157.13 against the dollar. The yen stands around a 34-year low, forcing Japanese officials to seek currency support measures.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The Bank of Japan (BOJ) is scheduled to hold its monetary policy meeting on Thursday and Friday. The BOJ is widely expected to keep short-term interest rates between 0 and 0.1%. Reuters reported last week that BOJ policymakers are looking for methods to reduce their bond-buying program and may publish new guidelines.<o:p></o:p></p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal"><b>Sterling holds steady<o:p></o:p></b></h2>

<p class="MsoNormal">Sterling traded at $1.27145, having hit a one-week low of $1.2700 earlier in the session.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><i>(With inputs from Agencies)</i><o:p></o:p></p>


The euro collapsed dramatically on Monday, impacted by political upheaval in France following President Emmanuel Macron's demand for an early legislative election.

The euro collapsed dramatically on Monday, impacted by political upheaval in France following President Emmanuel Macron's demand for an early legislative election. Meanwhile, the dollar held solid ahead of the Federal Reserve's meeting later this week. Euro drops on Macron's election gamble The euro fell significantly, reaching a one-month low of $1.07485 during Asian trading hours. This fall followed Macron's surprising decision to call an election to reestablish his power. The decision comes on the heels of significant victories for far-right Eurosceptic nationalists in the European Union election. Despite these increases, an aggregated exit poll predicted that the centre, liberal, and socialist parties would maintain a majority in the European Parliament. As of the latest trading, the euro was down 0.44 per cent at $1.0753, representing a year-to-date fall of more than 2.5 per cent against the dollar. The currency also sank to its lowest level against the pound since August 2022 and dipped 0.2 per cent against the yen. Dollar strengthened by robust jobs report The dollar's strength was boosted by stronger-than-expected US jobs data announced on Friday. Nonfarm payrolls rose by 272,000 jobs last month, considerably exceeding the 185,000 predicted in a Reuters survey. This report has reduced expectations for Fed rate decreases, implying that the central bank may delay the start of its easing cycle this year. The dollar index, which compares the US currency to six major rivals, increased 0.18 per cent to 105.25, after reaching a nearly one-month high of 105.30 earlier in the session. ECB and Fed policy divergence The European Central Bank (ECB) and the Federal Reserve's opposing monetary policies have put additional pressure on the euro. The ECB began its easing cycle last week, a move that was widely anticipated, but provided little insight into future policy direction as inflation remained over target. In contrast, the Federal Reserve is expected to hold interest rates steady during its upcoming meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday. Market investors will pay particular attention to Fed Chair Jerome Powell's comments and any revisions to economic estimates. Another important consideration for investors will be inflation data from the United States, which is due on Wednesday. Charu Chanana, head of currency strategy at Saxo, commented on the situation: "This is adding to the downside pressures for the currency after the ECB kicked off its easing cycle last week, while the Fed may be delaying its rate cuts for now." Asian markets and Yen movements Markets in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Australia were closed for holidays, restricting regional trade activity. Meanwhile, the Japanese yen fell to 157.13 against the dollar. The yen stands around a 34-year low, forcing Japanese officials to seek currency support measures. The Bank of Japan (BOJ) is scheduled to hold its monetary policy meeting on Thursday and Friday. The BOJ is widely expected to keep short-term interest rates between 0 and 0.1%. Reuters reported last week that BOJ policymakers are looking for methods to reduce their bond-buying program and may publish new guidelines. Sterling holds steady Sterling traded at $1.27145, having hit a one-week low of $1.2700 earlier in the session. (With inputs from Agencies)

Euro plunges amid French political uncertainty and strong Dollar

<p>Following the resurgence of right-wing political groups in the recently-held European Union elections, French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday (June 9) took a bold step and dissolved the parliament. It means snap legislative elections will be held in the country on June 30 and July 7, and in the worst-case scenario, he may have to appoint a prime minister from the opposition.</p>

<h2><strong>Why Macron dissolved the parliament</strong></h2>

<p>In the European elections, Macron's centrist party Renaissance suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of right-wing leader Marine Le Pen and her National Rally party. As per projections, Renaissance got between 14.8 per cent and 15.2 per cent of the votes whereas Rally got 32 per cent-33 per cent support.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;EU election results: Setbacks for Macron in France, Scholz in Germany</strong></p>

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<p>Macron has consistently backed the European Union, a position disputed by right wingers. The discontent comes over a range of issues like immigration, crime and the cost of living.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjogvXmytGGAxWkTmwGHWn7AkYQxfQBKAB6BAgWEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/french-president-macron-dissolves-parliament-calls-snap-polls-730429" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/videos/french-president-macron-dissolves-parliament-calls-snap-polls-730429&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjogvXmytGGAxWkTmwGHWn7AkYQxfQBKAB6BAgWEAE">French President Macron dissolves parliament, calls snap polls</a></strong></p>

<p>By calling snap elections, Macron wants to give Marine Le Pen's party a seat in the government so that she loses some of the lustre by 2027, when the next presidential polls take place.</p>

<p>A defeat in the parliamentary elections would mean the prime minister will be appointed from Marine Le Pen's party. Then, the new PM will choose France's cabinet minister. This situation is known as cohabitation.</p>

<h2><strong>What if Macron loses elections?</strong></h2>

<p>If Macron's party loses parliamentary elections, he will lose the power to set domestic policies and get confined to the lead role of defence as commander-in-chief and on foreign policy.</p>

<p>It's highly likely that Marine Le Pen’s 28-year-old protege and leader of the National Rally Jordan Bardella can take up the role of PM, with Pen eyeing the 2027 presidential elections.</p>

<h2><strong>Marine Le Pen’s reaction</strong></h2>

<p>Marine Le Pen welcomed Macron's decision to call the snap elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We’re ready for it,” she declared.</p>

<p>“We’re ready to exercise power if the French people place their trust in us in these future legislative elections. We’re ready to turn the country around, ready to defend the interests of the French, ready to put an end to mass immigration, ready to make the purchasing power of the French a priority,” Le Pen added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Following the resurgence of right-wing political groups in the recently-held European Union elections, French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday (June 9) took a bold step and dissolved the parliament.

Following the resurgence of right-wing political groups in the recently-held European Union elections, French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday (June 9) took a bold step and dissolved the parliament. It means snap legislative elections will be held in the country on June 30 and July 7, and in the worst-case scenario, he may have to appoint a prime minister from the opposition. Why Macron dissolved the parliament In the European elections, Macron's centrist party Renaissance suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of right-wing leader Marine Le Pen and her National Rally party. As per projections, Renaissance got between 14.8 per cent and 15.2 per cent of the votes whereas Rally got 32 per cent-33 per cent support. Watch: EU election results: Setbacks for Macron in France, Scholz in Germany × Macron has consistently backed the European Union, a position disputed by right wingers. The discontent comes over a range of issues like immigration, crime and the cost of living. Also read: French President Macron dissolves parliament, calls snap polls By calling snap elections, Macron wants to give Marine Le Pen's party a seat in the government so that she loses some of the lustre by 2027, when the next presidential polls take place. A defeat in the parliamentary elections would mean the prime minister will be appointed from Marine Le Pen's party. Then, the new PM will choose France's cabinet minister. This situation is known as cohabitation. What if Macron loses elections? If Macron's party loses parliamentary elections, he will lose the power to set domestic policies and get confined to the lead role of defence as commander-in-chief and on foreign policy. It's highly likely that Marine Le Pen’s 28-year-old protege and leader of the National Rally Jordan Bardella can take up the role of PM, with Pen eyeing the 2027 presidential elections. Marine Le Pen’s reaction Marine Le Pen welcomed Macron's decision to call the snap elections. "We’re ready for it,” she declared. “We’re ready to exercise power if the French people place their trust in us in these future legislative elections. We’re ready to turn the country around, ready to defend the interests of the French, ready to put an end to mass immigration, ready to make the purchasing power of the French a priority,” Le Pen added. (With inputs from agencies)

Macron's great gamble: Why did French president dissolve parliament? What if his party loses?

As results of elections to the EU Parliament's role in the jitters and tremors become all too visible with big gains for the far right. Now first predictions show that the center-right European People's party has strengthened its majority at the top of the list.

French President dissolves parliament; Far-right gains in Germany, Italy and Austria

<p>French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday (Jun 9) announced that he was dissolving the parliament after the far-right defeated his centrist alliance in EU polls. Macron called snap legislative elections on June 30 and July 7. Hundreds of millions of Europeans are voting to select 720 Members of the European Parliament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Macron said that he can't pretend nothing has happened and that the outcome of the EU election is "not a good result for parties who defend Europe". He added the rise of nationalists was a danger for France and Europe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The National Rally (RN) party inflicted a heavy defeat on Macron's camp. It scored over double the number of votes of the head of state's centrist alliance, projections indicated.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-war-cabinet-minister-benny-gantz-quits-government-730338">Benny Gantz quits from Israeli war cabinet, accuses PM Netanyahu of preventing 'true victory'</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Projections published by several polling firms showed that the RN's list, led by Jordan Bardella, gained between 32.3 and 33 per cent of the vote compared with 14.8 to 15.2 per cent for Macron's alliance, which was led by his Renaissance party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Far right parties... are progressing everywhere in the continent. It is a situation to which I cannot resign myself," Macron said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I decided to give you the choice... Therefore I will dissolve the National Assembly tonight.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This decision is serious and heavy but it is an act of confidence. Confidence in you, dear compatriots, and in the capacity of the French people to make the best choice for itself and future generations."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-finalises-six-candidates-for-june-28-presidential-polls-several-high-profile-names-disqualified-730185">Iran finalises six candidates for June 28 presidential polls, several high-profile names disqualified</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Here is the first projection based on estimates of the new Parliament.<br />
<br />
It is based on available national estimates and pre-election polling data.<br />
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Europeans are still voting and provisional results will be available later today.<br />
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For more information: <a href="https://t.co/TdW2xWIyOx">https://t.co/TdW2xWIyOx</a> <a href="https://t.co/ny2RIEqEmI">pic.twitter.com/ny2RIEqEmI</a></p>
— European Parliament (@Europarl_EN) <a href="https://twitter.com/Europarl_EN/status/1799880099652870569?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition also suffered a defeat as all three parties in his government are trailing the conservatives and the far right, according to preliminary results.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The result sparked calls from the victorious conservative CDU-CSU bloc for the centre-left Scholz to change course or pave the way for new elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday (Jun 9) announced that he was dissolving the parliament after the far-right defeated his centrist alliance in EU polls.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday (Jun 9) announced that he was dissolving the parliament after the far-right defeated his centrist alliance in EU polls. Macron called snap legislative elections on June 30 and July 7. Hundreds of millions of Europeans are voting to select 720 Members of the European Parliament. Macron said that he can't pretend nothing has happened and that the outcome of the EU election is "not a good result for parties who defend Europe". He added the rise of nationalists was a danger for France and Europe. The National Rally (RN) party inflicted a heavy defeat on Macron's camp. It scored over double the number of votes of the head of state's centrist alliance, projections indicated. Also read: Benny Gantz quits from Israeli war cabinet, accuses PM Netanyahu of preventing 'true victory' Projections published by several polling firms showed that the RN's list, led by Jordan Bardella, gained between 32.3 and 33 per cent of the vote compared with 14.8 to 15.2 per cent for Macron's alliance, which was led by his Renaissance party. "Far right parties... are progressing everywhere in the continent. It is a situation to which I cannot resign myself," Macron said. "I decided to give you the choice... Therefore I will dissolve the National Assembly tonight. "This decision is serious and heavy but it is an act of confidence. Confidence in you, dear compatriots, and in the capacity of the French people to make the best choice for itself and future generations." Also read: Iran finalises six candidates for June 28 presidential polls, several high-profile names disqualified Here is the first projection based on estimates of the new Parliament. It is based on available national estimates and pre-election polling data. Europeans are still voting and provisional results will be available later today. For more information: https://t.co/TdW2xWIyOx pic.twitter.com/ny2RIEqEmI — European Parliament (@Europarl_EN) June 9, 2024 × Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition also suffered a defeat as all three parties in his government are trailing the conservatives and the far right, according to preliminary results. The result sparked calls from the victorious conservative CDU-CSU bloc for the centre-left Scholz to change course or pave the way for new elections. (With inputs from agencies)

Emmanuel Macron dissolves national assembly, calls snap elections in France after EU poll shock

<p>In June 1944, over four years after the fall of Paris to Hitler's&nbsp;forces in the second world war, the US, UK and other allied&nbsp;forces entered Normandy to oust the Nazi forces.&nbsp;The Normandy landings emerged as one of the most significant events&nbsp;in the second world war that concluded with the liberation of French territory and fall of Nazism in Europe.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;D-Day Anniversary: The invasion of the beaches at Normandy | Gravitas Recall</strong></p>

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<p>Eighty years later, as the present-day leaders of the 'liberators' of Normandy came together to commemorate the 'D-Day', the event became the focus of fiascos, gaffes and controversies.&nbsp;Here's what unfolded during D-Day commemorations in Normandy.</p>

<h2><strong>Joe Biden: The lost of the presidents?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Joe Biden, joined by 25 heads of states at a D-Day commemoration event on Omaha Beach in Normandy, stressed on sacrifices made in the name of democracy and freedom during the second world war.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/robert-persichitti-world-war-ii-veteran-died-en-route-to-d-day-commemorations-729476">Robert Persichitti, World War II veteran dies en route to D-Day commemorations</a></strong></p>

<p>But the speech notwithstanding, one aspect that grabbed the netizens' attention on social media was an "embarrassing" moment as Biden appeared to be completely lost for a moment. The former president was seen fumbling and later on, he was spotted with eyes closed which users on the internet interpreted as US president dozing off.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>British forces face 'Passport please' moment</strong></h2>

<p>About 400 British paratroopers, who dropped into Normandy for commemoration event, were asked for passport and related paperwork. While immigration checks for British troops abroad are routine, they aren't asked for it during a&nbsp;public commemoration event.</p>

<p>Besides, the US and Belgian troops&nbsp;involved in the drop were not checked. The US forces flew from France and had already completed their border formalities, The Guardian reported. No check was required for the Belgians as European Union citizens.</p>

<h2><strong>Rishi Sunak's exit for a TV interview</strong></h2>

<p>UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak attended D-Day commemoration event and then left for London to reportedly appear in a TV interview. As&nbsp;criticism mounted, Sunak was forced to issue an apology.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"After the conclusion of the British event in Normandy, I returned back to the UK," Sunak, who is struggling to win support from voters before the July 4 election, said in a post on X.</p>

<p>"On reflection, it was a mistake not to stay in France longer – and I apologise."</p>


In June 1944, over four years after the fall of Paris to Hitler's forces in the second world war, the US, UK and other allied forces entered Normandy to oust the Nazi forces.

In June 1944, over four years after the fall of Paris to Hitler's forces in the second world war, the US, UK and other allied forces entered Normandy to oust the Nazi forces. The Normandy landings emerged as one of the most significant events in the second world war that concluded with the liberation of French territory and fall of Nazism in Europe. Also watch | D-Day Anniversary: The invasion of the beaches at Normandy | Gravitas Recall × Eighty years later, as the present-day leaders of the 'liberators' of Normandy came together to commemorate the 'D-Day', the event became the focus of fiascos, gaffes and controversies. Here's what unfolded during D-Day commemorations in Normandy. Joe Biden: The lost of the presidents? Joe Biden, joined by 25 heads of states at a D-Day commemoration event on Omaha Beach in Normandy, stressed on sacrifices made in the name of democracy and freedom during the second world war. Also read | Robert Persichitti, World War II veteran dies en route to D-Day commemorations But the speech notwithstanding, one aspect that grabbed the netizens' attention on social media was an "embarrassing" moment as Biden appeared to be completely lost for a moment. The former president was seen fumbling and later on, he was spotted with eyes closed which users on the internet interpreted as US president dozing off. British forces face 'Passport please' moment About 400 British paratroopers, who dropped into Normandy for commemoration event, were asked for passport and related paperwork. While immigration checks for British troops abroad are routine, they aren't asked for it during a public commemoration event. Besides, the US and Belgian troops involved in the drop were not checked. The US forces flew from France and had already completed their border formalities, The Guardian reported. No check was required for the Belgians as European Union citizens. Rishi Sunak's exit for a TV interview UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak attended D-Day commemoration event and then left for London to reportedly appear in a TV interview. As criticism mounted, Sunak was forced to issue an apology. "After the conclusion of the British event in Normandy, I returned back to the UK," Sunak, who is struggling to win support from voters before the July 4 election, said in a post on X. "On reflection, it was a mistake not to stay in France longer – and I apologise."

Show your passports, a listless Biden, Sunak's exit: What made D-Day commemorations awkward

<p>France confirmed on Thursday (June 6) that a French national has been arrested in Moscow but denied Russian claim that he was working for the French&nbsp;government to gather intelligence. The development coincides with French President Emmanuel Macron's remarks during an event to commemorate second World War's 'D-Day' landings in Normandy in which he said that Paris will transfer Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets to Ukraine amid its war with Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Tomorrow we will launch a new cooperation and announce the transfer of Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets to Ukraine, made by French manufacturer Dassault, and train their Ukrainian pilots in France," Macron told France’s TF1 broadcaster on Thursday (June 6). France has around 26 Mirage 2000-5 and 65 older Mirage 2000-D aircraft in active service, according to Flight International’s World Air Forces rankings.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;D-Day Anniversary: Britain, France and US commemorate D-Day; Macron honours WW2 veterans</strong></p>

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<p>"In no way was he working for France. Now we are very vigilant, he will receive all the consular protections that apply in such a case. I want to say the truth in the face of the brainwashing that we hear," Macron said separately later while referring to a country's national's arrest in Moscow.</p>

<p>Russia's Investigative Committee said earlier on Thursday that a French citizen, employed by the non-profit Swiss Center for Humanitarian Dialogue, was detained on suspicion of "collecting information in the field of military activities of the Russian Federation".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-france-allows-its-police-to-spy-on-people-through-electronic-devices-613252">France allows its police to spy on people through electronic devices</a></strong></p>

<p>"For these purposes, he repeatedly visited the territory of Russia, including the city of Moscow, where he held meetings with citizens of the Russian Federation," the Investigative Committee said.</p>

<p>The ties between France and Russia have been on a downward spiral since President Vladimir Putin launched the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2022, Russia expanded the scope of its "foreign agents" law under which not only individuals or organisations receiving funding from abroad are described as foreign agents but also anyone who has "received support and (or) is under foreign influence".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


France confirmed on Thursday (June 6) that a French national has been arrested in Moscow but denied Russian claim that he was working for the French government to gather intelligence.

France confirmed on Thursday (June 6) that a French national has been arrested in Moscow but denied Russian claim that he was working for the French government to gather intelligence. The development coincides with French President Emmanuel Macron's remarks during an event to commemorate second World War's 'D-Day' landings in Normandy in which he said that Paris will transfer Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets to Ukraine amid its war with Russia. "Tomorrow we will launch a new cooperation and announce the transfer of Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets to Ukraine, made by French manufacturer Dassault, and train their Ukrainian pilots in France," Macron told France’s TF1 broadcaster on Thursday (June 6). France has around 26 Mirage 2000-5 and 65 older Mirage 2000-D aircraft in active service, according to Flight International’s World Air Forces rankings. Also read | D-Day Anniversary: Britain, France and US commemorate D-Day; Macron honours WW2 veterans × "In no way was he working for France. Now we are very vigilant, he will receive all the consular protections that apply in such a case. I want to say the truth in the face of the brainwashing that we hear," Macron said separately later while referring to a country's national's arrest in Moscow. Russia's Investigative Committee said earlier on Thursday that a French citizen, employed by the non-profit Swiss Center for Humanitarian Dialogue, was detained on suspicion of "collecting information in the field of military activities of the Russian Federation". Also read | France allows its police to spy on people through electronic devices "For these purposes, he repeatedly visited the territory of Russia, including the city of Moscow, where he held meetings with citizens of the Russian Federation," the Investigative Committee said. The ties between France and Russia have been on a downward spiral since President Vladimir Putin launched the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. In 2022, Russia expanded the scope of its "foreign agents" law under which not only individuals or organisations receiving funding from abroad are described as foreign agents but also anyone who has "received support and (or) is under foreign influence". (With inputs from agencies)

French 'spy' arrested in Russia following Macron's fighter jets offer to Ukraine

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been accused of failing miserably as the country&nbsp;grapples with the consequences of the war in the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;Knesset member Gadi Eisenko said that Netanyahu&nbsp;failed miserably on security and economy fronts and that there must be elections before the end of this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Hong Kong, a court&nbsp;convicted 14 pro-democracy activists in the biggest national security case under a law imposed by China. Those convicted include&nbsp;include former&nbsp;lawmakers Leung Kwok-hung, Lam Cheuk-ting, Helena Wong and Raymond Chan. They could face life in prison.</p>

<p>In other news from around the world,&nbsp;France and Germany have said that Ukraine should be permitted to use their weaponry against targets inside Russia.</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more:</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-accused-of-failing-miserably-as-war-cabinet-members-press-for-israel-elections-726873"><strong>Netanyahu accused of 'failing miserably' as war cabinet members press for Israel elections</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/30/428443-yearender-2023-67.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's colleague in his cabinet has accused him of "failing miserably" as the country grapples with domestic, geo-economic and geopolitical consequences of war in Gaza amid relentless human rights violations in the blockaded Palestinian enclave.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-democracy-leaders-convicted-after-chinas-mass-national-security-trial-726882"><strong>Hong Kong democracy leaders convicted after China's mass national security trial</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/30/434711-chinahongkong.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>A court in Hong Kong on Thursday (May 30) convicted 14 pro-democracy activists in the biggest national security case under a law imposed by Beijing. The ones found guilty include former&nbsp;lawmakers Leung Kwok-hung, Lam Cheuk-ting, Helena Wong and Raymond Chan.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-germany-back-ukraines-use-of-western-weapons-on-russian-soil-726878"><strong>France, Germany back Ukraine's use of western weapons on Russian soil</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/02/428966-succession-2024-05-02t232610925.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>France and Germany have said that Ukraine should be permitted to use their weaponry against targets inside Russia from which Moscow attacks Ukraine. While addressing the media, alongside German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday (May 28), French President Emmanuel Macron outlined that French weapons supplied to Ukraine, including long-range missiles, were permitted to strike targets within Russia.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/every-black-man-american-airlines-accused-of-forcing-black-passengers-to-deboard-726872"><strong>'Every Black man...': American Airlines sued for forcing Black passengers to deboard over body odour complaint</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/14/418439-american-airlines.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>American Airlines has been accused of forcing three Black men to deboard a flight following a complaint that an unidentified passenger had body odour, according to a lawsuit.&nbsp;The lawsuit was filed on Wednesday (May 29) by Alvin Jackson, Emmanuel Jean Joseph and Xavier Veal in the US district court for the eastern district of New York against the airline.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Google search leak unearths treasure trove of SEO data</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been accused of failing miserably as the country grapples with the consequences of the war in the Gaza Strip. Knesset member Gadi Eisenko said that Netanyahu failed miserably on security and economy fronts and that there must be elections before the end of this year.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been accused of failing miserably as the country grapples with the consequences of the war in the Gaza Strip. Knesset member Gadi Eisenko said that Netanyahu failed miserably on security and economy fronts and that there must be elections before the end of this year. In Hong Kong, a court convicted 14 pro-democracy activists in the biggest national security case under a law imposed by China. Those convicted include include former lawmakers Leung Kwok-hung, Lam Cheuk-ting, Helena Wong and Raymond Chan. They could face life in prison. In other news from around the world, France and Germany have said that Ukraine should be permitted to use their weaponry against targets inside Russia. Click on the headlines to read more: Netanyahu accused of 'failing miserably' as war cabinet members press for Israel elections Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's colleague in his cabinet has accused him of "failing miserably" as the country grapples with domestic, geo-economic and geopolitical consequences of war in Gaza amid relentless human rights violations in the blockaded Palestinian enclave. Hong Kong democracy leaders convicted after China's mass national security trial A court in Hong Kong on Thursday (May 30) convicted 14 pro-democracy activists in the biggest national security case under a law imposed by Beijing. The ones found guilty include former lawmakers Leung Kwok-hung, Lam Cheuk-ting, Helena Wong and Raymond Chan. France, Germany back Ukraine's use of western weapons on Russian soil France and Germany have said that Ukraine should be permitted to use their weaponry against targets inside Russia from which Moscow attacks Ukraine. While addressing the media, alongside German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday (May 28), French President Emmanuel Macron outlined that French weapons supplied to Ukraine, including long-range missiles, were permitted to strike targets within Russia. 'Every Black man...': American Airlines sued for forcing Black passengers to deboard over body odour complaint American Airlines has been accused of forcing three Black men to deboard a flight following a complaint that an unidentified passenger had body odour, according to a lawsuit. The lawsuit was filed on Wednesday (May 29) by Alvin Jackson, Emmanuel Jean Joseph and Xavier Veal in the US district court for the eastern district of New York against the airline. Watch | Google search leak unearths treasure trove of SEO data ×

Morning brief: Netanyahu accused of 'failing miserably' in Gaza; and more

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-fareast-language:EN-GB">French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has announced significant cuts to France's unemployment benefits to support President Emmanuel Macron’s economic reform agenda.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-fareast-language:EN-GB">The proposed changes, detailed by Attal in an interview with La Tribune, include reducing the maximum duration of jobless benefits from 18 months to 15 months. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-fareast-language:EN-GB">Additionally, the period required for work to qualify for these benefits will be extended. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-fareast-language:EN-GB">The government plans to implement these changes by December 1.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-fareast-language:EN-GB">Prime Minister Attal noted that the reform is not primarily a cost-cutting measure but is designed to increase employment and thereby sustain the benefits system through higher workforce participation. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-fareast-language:EN-GB">An adviser to Attal projected that these changes could save up to €3.6 billion ($3.9 billion) annually and increase the workforce by 90,000 individuals.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-fareast-language:EN-GB">Furthermore, the reforms will redefine the age at which workers are considered "senior," lowering it to 57 years, allowing them to qualify for improved, albeit less generous, benefits. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-fareast-language:EN-GB">This adjustment aims to balance the benefits provided to older workers with the need to encourage longer participation in the labour market.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-fareast-language:EN-GB">These measures follow a stern warning from the International Monetary Fund regarding France's escalating debt and a call for stronger efforts to control budget deficits. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-fareast-language:EN-GB">The French fiscal watchdog has also criticised current plans, labelling them as lacking in credibility and coherence.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-fareast-language:EN-GB">French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire reaffirmed that the government would continue to make efforts towards&nbsp;reducing the budget deficit, pledging to meet the European Union's deficit limit of 3 per cent of GDP by 2027. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-fareast-language:EN-GB">This fiscal responsibility is seen as crucial in maintaining economic stability and credibility within the EU.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-fareast-language:EN-GB">The timing of these announcements is particularly noteworthy, coming just two weeks before the European Parliament elections. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-fareast-language:EN-GB">Polls suggest a possible victory for Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally party, which has vocally opposed Macron’s labour reforms, arguing that they unfairly disadvantage workers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-fareast-language:EN-GB">(With inputs from Bloomberg)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>


French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has announced significant cuts to France's unemployment benefits to support President Emmanuel Macron’s economic reform agenda.

French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has announced significant cuts to France's unemployment benefits to support President Emmanuel Macron’s economic reform agenda. The proposed changes, detailed by Attal in an interview with La Tribune, include reducing the maximum duration of jobless benefits from 18 months to 15 months. Additionally, the period required for work to qualify for these benefits will be extended. The government plans to implement these changes by December 1. Prime Minister Attal noted that the reform is not primarily a cost-cutting measure but is designed to increase employment and thereby sustain the benefits system through higher workforce participation. An adviser to Attal projected that these changes could save up to €3.6 billion ($3.9 billion) annually and increase the workforce by 90,000 individuals. Furthermore, the reforms will redefine the age at which workers are considered "senior," lowering it to 57 years, allowing them to qualify for improved, albeit less generous, benefits. This adjustment aims to balance the benefits provided to older workers with the need to encourage longer participation in the labour market. These measures follow a stern warning from the International Monetary Fund regarding France's escalating debt and a call for stronger efforts to control budget deficits. The French fiscal watchdog has also criticised current plans, labelling them as lacking in credibility and coherence. French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire reaffirmed that the government would continue to make efforts towards reducing the budget deficit, pledging to meet the European Union's deficit limit of 3 per cent of GDP by 2027. This fiscal responsibility is seen as crucial in maintaining economic stability and credibility within the EU. The timing of these announcements is particularly noteworthy, coming just two weeks before the European Parliament elections. Polls suggest a possible victory for Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally party, which has vocally opposed Macron’s labour reforms, arguing that they unfairly disadvantage workers. (With inputs from Bloomberg)

France to slash jobless benefits amid mounting debt concerns

French President Emmanuel Macron landed in Germany on Sunday for a three-day state visit followed by a bilateral cabinet meeting as the European Union's two biggest powers seek to show unity ahead of next month's EU parliamentary elections.

Emmanuel Macron visits Germany in first French presidential state visit in 24 years

On Sunday, Emmanuel Macron made his first state visit to Germany as the president of France in 25 years. Ahead of the elections for the European Union, he aimed to defuse recent tensions and warn against the dangers of the extreme right.

French President in Germany: France-Germany relations are indispensable: Emmanuel Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron landed in Germany on Sunday for a three-day State visit followed by a bilateral cabinet meeting as the European Union's two biggest powers seek to show unity ahead of next month's EU parliamentary elections.

French President Emmanuel Macron louds 'indispensable' ties on Germany visit

A thousand police arrived in New Caledonia from France and streets were relatively calm after a week of unrest, the French High Commission said on Monday, but roads were blocked by protesters and the airport remained shut, stranding tourists. Watch in for more details!

French President Emmanuel Macron to visit New Caledonia as unrest continues in second week

In a bid to solidify France's position as a leading European business hub, President Emmanuel Macron is hosting the annual "Choose France" summit. This event aims to attract significant foreign investment. Last year's edition proved successful, securing $14 billion.

France secures $1.3 bn investment from Amazon, creating 3,000 jobs

On his first visit to the EU in five years, Chinese President Xi Jinping met his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, and the European Commission President, Ursula Von Der Leyen. Xi Jinping lauded China's ties with France as a model for the international community at opening of Paris talks. Watch in for more details!

China's Xi Jinping in France: Macron, EU Chief urge China to press Russia over Ukraine

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to the Pyrenees mountains on Tuesday on the second day of a trip. Xi has said he would welcome more high-level talks on trade frictions, and has denied there was a Chinese "overcapacity problem". Watch in for more details!

Macron, Xi break protocol for one-on-one visit to the Pyrenees

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