Macron says he called snap elections to prevent rise of far right in 2027 presidential vote

French President Emmanuel Macron speaks during a press conference about the priorities of his Renaissance party and its allies ahead of the early legislative elections in Paris, France, on June 12, 2024. © Stephane Mahe, Reuters

French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday said he had called legislative elections in a bid to prevent the far right from winning the presidency in 2027 when his second and final term ends. He called on all French parties “able to say no to extremes” to unite ahead of the snap elections he announced after his centre-right alliance took a humiliating beating in the European Parliament vote on Sunday.

Watch a replay of the press conference by clicking on the player above.