French President Macron admits his decision for early elections in June led to political instability, taking full responsibility for the consequences and calling for greater European independence.
French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged that his decision to call early parliamentary elections in June had created more political instability in France.
The speech concluded a turbulent 2024 for Macron, who shocked the country by calling for early elections midway through the year. This move backfired when the elections resulted in a hung parliament, with a substantial increase in far-right lawmakers, which weakened Macron’s influence.
"Lucidity and humility force (me) to recognize that at this stage, this decision has produced more instability than peace, and I fully own up to that," Macron said in a televised address ahead of the New Year celebrations.
"The dissolution caused more divisions in the Assembly than solutions for the French people," he added, marking his most direct acknowledgment of the consequences of the elections.
Macron had justified the early elections by pointing to a poor result in the European elections, arguing that they were necessary to "clarify" the political landscape. However, this gamble resulted in the loss of his parliamentary majority, and it took him two months to appoint a minority government, which collapsed in December—the first such collapse in France since 1962.
This failure led to France not passing the 2025 budget by the year-end deadline, and Macron had to appoint his fourth prime minister of the year, centrist veteran Francois Bayrou, in December.
Macron also hinted at the possibility of holding referendums in the coming year, though he did not explicitly mention them. He stated he would ask the French people to decide on "decisive" issues, but did not specify which ones.
The French constitution allows the president to initiate referendums.
Macron also referenced "citizen conventions," gatherings of randomly chosen citizens that lack binding power, which he has previously used to address issues like the yellow vest protests.
Finally, Macron called for greater European independence, emphasizing that the European Union could no longer depend on other powers for its security and defense, and must reject external trade laws.
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French President Emmanuel Macron will host Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Paris on Wednesday, marking the new Syrian leader’s first official visit to Europe since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad late last year.
The Canadian government has updated its travel advisory for France, warning citizens to exercise a “high degree of caution” due to an elevated threat of terrorism, according to a statement issued on Monday.
Political directors from France, Britain, and Germany are scheduled to meet with Iranian officials in Rome on Friday, according to two diplomatic sources who confirmed the meeting to Reuters.
France’s prime minister has vowed action after a Muslim worshipper was fatally stabbed in a mosque in what authorities are investigating as a possible Islamophobic crime.
Armenia and Azerbaijan are now conducting direct peace talks without Russian mediation, according to Armenian Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan. He told Armenian media that Moscow’s mediating role has ended and that direct dialogue is now seen as more effective.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan confidently announced that there will be no war between Armenia and Azerbaijan, emphasizing a shared commitment to a peaceful and prosperous future for the region.
Britain has imposed fresh sanctions on Russia, including asset freezes targeting directors of the oil trading firm Coral Energy Group, now known as 2Rivers Group.
Moscow is currently holding a Victory Day parade to mark 80 years since the end of the Great Patriotic War, with foreign delegations and military units participating.
A helicopter crash in Sri Lanka has resulted in six fatalities, according to military sources cited by AFP on Friday.
India has fired a series of missiles into Pakistani-controlled territory, in what it has described as “Operation Sindoor”
For the first time in history, an American has been chosen to lead the Catholic Church, as Cardinal Robert Prevost is named pope.
Discover every major VE Day 80 event in Britain, 5‑8 May 2025—from London’s parade and fly‑past to street parties, concerts and museum exhibitions.
Chinese e-commerce platform Temu has announced it will no longer sell goods directly from China to U.S. customers, shifting instead to U.S.-based sellers amid the closure of a long-criticized customs loophole.
Cardinals from 70 nations have gathered in Vatican City to begin the historic conclave to elect the next pope, following the death of Pope Francis 17 days ago. This conclave is the most geographically diverse in Church history, showcasing Francis’ legacy of inclusivity.
Britain has imposed fresh sanctions on Russia, including asset freezes targeting directors of the oil trading firm Coral Energy Group, now known as 2Rivers Group.
Moscow is currently holding a Victory Day parade to mark 80 years since the end of the Great Patriotic War, with foreign delegations and military units participating.
A helicopter crash in Sri Lanka has resulted in six fatalities, according to military sources cited by AFP on Friday.
President Donald Trump and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer have reached a trade agreement that lowers U.S. tariffs on British autos, steel, and aluminum, while maintaining a 10% baseline tariff on other goods and boosting American exports of beef and ethanol.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for May 9th , covering the latest developments you need to know.
Armenia and Azerbaijan are now conducting direct peace talks without Russian mediation, according to Armenian Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan. He told Armenian media that Moscow’s mediating role has ended and that direct dialogue is now seen as more effective.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan confidently announced that there will be no war between Armenia and Azerbaijan, emphasizing a shared commitment to a peaceful and prosperous future for the region.
Britain has imposed fresh sanctions on Russia, including asset freezes targeting directors of the oil trading firm Coral Energy Group, now known as 2Rivers Group.
Moscow is currently holding a Victory Day parade to mark 80 years since the end of the Great Patriotic War, with foreign delegations and military units participating.
A helicopter crash in Sri Lanka has resulted in six fatalities, according to military sources cited by AFP on Friday.
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