Political earthquake in France after European elections

I think this deserves it's own thread

https://www.rte.ie/news/europe/2024/0609/1453880-france-election/

RTE.ie

Macron calls snap election in wake of European vote

Absolutely unexpected snap elections called in France because of the exceptional success of Le Pen party (exit polls only for now) in the European elections

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French President Emmanuel Macron has dissolved the National Assembly and called a snap election after an exit poll predicted his party would suffer a heavy defeat at the hands of the far-right.

Speaking after exit polls put Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally ahead of the governing camps, he said the outcome is "not good result for parties who defend Europe".

Projected results from France put Ms Le Pen's party around 33%, with 31 seats in the incoming European Parliament - more than double the score of Mr Emmanuel Macron's liberals back on 15%.

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