France has kicked off a twelve-day election campaign ahead of snap polls called by President Emmanuel Macron to counter the rise of the far right. Star footballer Kylian Mbappe has warned that the country is facing a critical moment in its history.
Candidates had until Sunday to register for the 577 seats in the lower house National Assembly ahead of the official start of campaigning for the June 30 first round and the July 7 second round.
The alliance led by centrist Macron, which called the elections early due to losses in the EU Parliament elections, is unlikely to win an outright majority itself.
The decision to call for early elections has left many in France puzzled, as it could see the far-right National Rally leading the government, with its 28-year-old leader Jordan Bardella as prime minister.
High-profile candidates include Marie-Caroline Le Pen, the sister of three-time presidential candidate Marine Le Pen, who will represent the far-right National Rally in the central Sarthe region.
France’s national football team, represented by Mbappe at the Euro 2024 tournament in Germany, has urged young people to vote against extremes and divisive ideas.
– ‘Young and inexperienced’ –
Macron’s dissolution of parliament after the far right’s victory in the EU vote has reshaped French politics, with new alliances forming and internal conflicts arising within existing parties.
Former president Nicolas Sarkozy has criticized the decision of Eric Ciotti, the leader of the Republicans, to seek an election pact with the far right. The LR party is now facing turmoil with internal dissent and conflicting strategies.
Macron’s return from international engagements marks a crucial phase in the campaign, with the president advised to let Prime Minister Gabriel Attal take the lead.
The stakes are high for Macron, who risks losing influence and becoming a lame duck president if the election results do not favor his party.
– ‘Surprise not enough’ –
Former Socialist prime minister Lionel Jospin has warned Macron of the dangers of a hasty campaign that could benefit the far-right National Rally. Jospin criticized Macron for arrogance and lack of strategic foresight.
The upcoming elections will determine the future direction of French politics, with the far right posing a significant challenge to the current government.
