"The Rise of Nationalists is Dangerous": Macron Dissolves the National Assembly and Calls for Early Elections

French President Emmanuel Macron announced the dissolution of parliament and called for early legislative elections following the far-right's victory over his centrist coalition in the European Parliament elections. In a speech to the nation on Sunday, Macron stated that the first round of the National Assembly elections will take place on June 30, with the second round scheduled for July 7. He acknowledged that the results of the European elections were "not a good result for the parties that defend Europe," considering that "the rise of nationalists poses a danger to France and Europe." The far-right National Rally party secured the first position with a vote share ranging from 31.5% to 32.5%, nearly double that of President Macron's party, according to estimates from the polling institutes "Ifop" and "Ipsos."