France’s ongoing political deadlock: Macron and snap elections
Exactly one year ago, French President Emmanuel Macron surprised France and the entire European continent by dissolving Parliament, losing his majority and triggering a political crisis that continues to this day.
Although the president can call snap elections once a year, it remains uncertain whether he will risk doing so again amid ongoing political instability.
Since last year’s snap elections, Emmanuel Macron—who in 2017 promised to overcome the traditional left-right divide—has struggled without a stable majority in the National Assembly. The current government, led by François Bayrou, is composed of former Macron supporters and members of the Les Républicains party, all focused on the 2027 presidential elections.
Starting July 10, Macron would dissolve the National Assembly again, which he frequently criticizes, especially on environmental issues. However, it remains to be seen if he will take this risky step.
Prime Minister François Bayrou finds himself in a difficult position, achieved late in his political career. Additionally, two key ministers—Gérald Darmanin (Justice) and Bruno Retailleau (Interior)—seem to no longer recognize his authority, pursuing their own political profiles. Although the government continues to operate, its activity is limited.
The current political crisis has major institutional causes. The foremost is the absence of proportional representation in the National Assembly, which has prevented the formation of a solid majority and forced difficult negotiations between parties. Had proportional representation been applied, the legislative elections would have fostered a more cooperative mindset based on coalitions.
Emmanuel Macron brought the country to a deadlock a year ago, and the persistence of this stalemate is largely tied to the institutional shortcomings of the majoritarian system and the constant pressure of presidential elections, which worsen political fragmentation in a context of tripolarization and challenges to the functioning of European democracy.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
