A crucial moment in contemporary French history
France is at the beginning of holding the first round of legislative elections to the National Assembly, a crucial moment in its contemporary history. The results of the European elections on June 9 have caused President Emmanuel Macron to bring forward the elections in the face of the electoral debacle and the victory of the extreme right led by Marine Le Pen’s National Rally (RN). According to polls, the favorite for the presidency is the young Jordan Bardella, candidate for prime minister, who has declared that he will not govern if he does not obtain an absolute majority. Macron claims that he will resist and maintain the presidency until his term runs out in 2027, but the pressure of coexisting with a far-right government raises uncertainties about the country’s political stability.
The importance of legislative elections
The legislative elections in France mark a crucial moment in the country’s current affairs. The official motto of the French Republic, Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity), is more at stake than ever. The possible rise of the far right to power raises questions about the future of the nation and its national heritage. Concern about the outcome of the elections is reflected in the coverage of leading newspapers such as El País and La Vanguardia, as well as in the interview with Felipe González that stands out on ABC.
Analysis of El País and La Vanguardia
El País analyzes the horizon of France before the legislative elections, proposing scenarios about the cohabitation between a far-right prime minister, a liberal president and a National Assembly without clear majorities. La Vanguardia highlights the concern of the European Union regarding the possible rise of National Regrouping, comparing the situation with the silence prior to Brexit.
Media coverage
Beyond El País and La Vanguardia, the rest of the Madrid and Catalan front pages do not pay attention to the historic French legislative elections. The interview with Felipe González on ABC stands out, who criticizes the policy of the President of the Government and his alliances with the pro-independence parties.
