France Macron calls for snap election his rival Le Pen could easily win
Analysts describe French President Emmanuel Macron's decision to call a sudden national election following a surge in support for his far-right challengers as a high-stakes move and a massive political gamble.
Admin 
Macron's decision to hold a snap parliamentary election follows the right-wing National Rally (RN) party, led by Marine Le Pen, winning approximately 31% of the vote in Sunday's European Parliament election. This was more than double the 14.6% recorded for Macron's pro-European and relatively Renaissance party and its partners.
Macron's Renaissance party currently holds 169 seats in France's lower house of parliament, out of a total of 577, while the RN holds 88. An Ipsos survey of 4,000 people asked about their voting intentions last December predicted that the RN would gain 243-305 seats, giving it a majority in Parliament.
If such a result occurs in the upcoming election, Macron will most certainly be pressured to appoint a prime minister from the party with major influence over France's domestic and economic policies, though Macron will continue to be in charge of foreign affairs and defense. Jordan Bardella, 28, is viewed as Le Pen's protege, who technically leads RN in Europe.
France’s CAC 40 slumped 1.8% in early trading Monday morning with French banks trading sharply lower. BNP Paribas and Societe Generale led the Stoxx 600 ′s losses, both down by around 6%. The euro was also down some 0.4% against the dollar amid the uncertainty.
“This is an essential time for clarification,” Macron said in a national address Sunday evening as he announced his decision to dissolve Parliament.“I have heard your message, your concerns and I will not leave them unanswered ... France needs a clear majority to act in serenity and harmony,” he added. The first round of voting will take place on June 30, with a second to be held on July 7.
