FRANCE- France began to gear up for elections on Monday (June 10), after President Emmanuel Macron called a shock snap legislative election following a bruising loss in the European Parliament vote to the far-right party of Marine Le Pen.
Macron’s unexpected decision, which amounts to a roll of the dice on his political future, could hand major political power to the far-right after years on the sidelines, and neuter his presidency three years before it ends.
The legislative vote will take place on June 30, less than a month before the start of the Paris Olympics, with a second round on July.
Analysts said Macron’s decision aimed to make the best of his weak position.
