After EU vote, French president calls new elections
French President Emmanuel Macron, who suffered a crushing defeat by the far right in the European elections, dissolved the lower house of Parliament yesterday. He called legislative elections from June 30.
Macron’s decision demonstrates the devastating nature of the European Parliament election results. Her centrist party is expected to finish with less than half the support of Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally, which is poised to become France’s largest party.
“The rise of nationalists and demagogues is a danger for our nation and for Europe,” Macron said. “After this day, I cannot continue as if nothing had happened.”
My colleague Aurélien Breeden, who covers France, weighed in on the decision. “It’s a bit difficult to say with certainty why Macron decided to make this decision now,” he said. “But his national agenda has been hampered by a narrow majority in the lower house of parliament over the past two years, and the strong presence of the far right appears to have convinced him that he can no longer continue with business as usual. was.”
Partial results of European Parliament elections, held in 27 EU countries, appear to show that voters largely support centrist candidates, with far-right parties made serious inroads in France and Germany. Centrist political groups lost seats but were able to maintain a majority of more than 400 seats in the 720-seat Assembly. But the result has destabilized the bloc’s dominant establishment and appears likely to turn the far right into a disruptive force. Here is live results.
The rise of the right: Right-wing parties gained as voters focused on nationalism and identity – themes often linked to migration and some culture war policies.
The timing: that of Macron This decision ushers in a period of deep political uncertainty in France a few weeks before the start of the Paris Olympic Games.
In Germany: Alternative for Germany, a far-right party officially labeled a “suspected” extremist group by the country’s authorities, has performed well. The expected results would make it Germany’s second largest party.
Benny Gantz left the Israeli government
Israeli politician Benny Gantz, a key member of the war cabinet, left the government yesterday on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the war in Gaza. The move is unlikely to force Netanyahu from office, but Gantz’s moderate positions have helped boost the government’s international credibility.
Last month, Gantz threatened to resign unless Netanyahu worked to immediately resolve major issues, including plans to return the hostages and the future governance of Gaza. Without Gantz’s party, the prime minister’s government would consist of his right-wing Likud party, three far-right parties and two ultra-Orthodox factions. Analysts say Gantz’s departure could embolden the coalition’s far-right ministers.
The war: The Israeli operation to free four hostages in central Gaza on Saturday triggered an intense aerial bombardment and ground operations that killed dozens of people, according to Gaza health officials. The rescue provided a glimpse of a ambitious intelligence operation to rescue hostages.
In Israel: The euphoria to the rescue quickly gave way to a harsh reality. Around 120 prisoners remain in Gaza, and Israelis fear that time is running out. About a third of them have already been declared dead by Israeli authorities.
Modi begins his third term
A A humble Narendra Modi took the oath yesterday for a third term as Indian Prime Minister. He adopted a more modest tone after losing his parliamentary majority and being forced to form a coalition government.
Modi delivered a conciliatory speech on Friday: “To run the government, a majority is necessary. But to lead the nation, consensus is necessary.” But the question remains: after more than two decades in elective power, can Modi really become a consensus builder?
The weakness of the Japanese yen has attracted tourists to the country. But some residents are growing increasingly frustrated as popular sites in cities like Kyoto begin to seem unmanageable and foreign visitors invade places once unknown to tourists.
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T20 Cricket World Cup
India beat Pakistan yesterday in the Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup, hosted in Long Island. India won by six runs: Batting first, he scored 119 to Pakistan’s 113.
Geopolitical tensions have exacerbated the rivalry between the two cricketing nations. Matches between the two countries are rare – they do not collaborate outside of International Cricket Council events due to political hostility. More than 400 million people were expected.
