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France could hold snap elections again amid deadlock and calls for Emmanuel Macron's resignation

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, September 11th 2025 at 22:42 GMT by rnz
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France on the Brink: Why a Snap Election Could Resurface Amid Deadlock and Calls for Macron’s Resignation

In recent weeks, France has slipped once again into a political stalemate that has left many observers questioning whether President Emmanuel Macron will be compelled to trigger an early election. A wave of discontent, both within Parliament and among the public, has amplified a debate that has simmered for months: whether the French people and the political establishment are ready to reset the political playing field through a snap election. The discussion has gained traction after a series of legislative defeats, sharp opposition speeches, and a mounting list of policy failures that have eroded confidence in the current administration.

A Brief Recap of the Current Deadlock

Since the May 2024 legislative elections, Macron’s centrist “Renaissance” coalition has struggled to secure a decisive majority in the National Assembly. While the coalition managed to retain a plurality, it fell short of the 289 seats needed to govern unopposed. In the wake of a few high‑profile resignations, the French Socialist Party (PS) and the right‑wing “Les Républicains” (LR) have intensified calls for a constitutional reset. The Assembly’s left‑wing group, the “Groupe de la démocratie,” has begun a “motion of no confidence” that could trigger a dissolution of Parliament under Article 12 of the Constitution.

The “deadlock” is not merely numerical. Macron’s policy agenda—particularly his attempts to reform France’s labour market, overhaul the pension system, and clamp down on the “gilets jaunes” (yellow‑vest) movement—has repeatedly met with hostile opposition. Critics point to the President’s decision to delay the implementation of the new pension reforms, citing rising public anxiety over job security and the growing perception that Macron’s reforms favor large corporations over ordinary citizens.

The Constitutional Framework for Snap Elections

France’s constitution allows a president to call early elections under specific conditions. Article 12 empowers the president to dissolve the National Assembly “in the case of an absolute majority defeat of the government in the House.” Historically, presidents have used this power to galvanise their political base or to force a new mandate from the electorate. In 2022, Macron famously dissolved Parliament after a vote of confidence was rejected by a narrow margin, and the ensuing snap elections gave him a stronger mandate to push through his reforms.

Should Macron decide to call a snap election, the timeline would be stringent. The president must set a date no more than 30 days after the dissolution, and the election itself would take place over a two‑day voting period. The potential for a third round—if no candidate wins a majority in the first round—could further complicate the process, especially in a polarized environment.

Opposition Voices and the Call for Resignation

Opposition parties have been vocal in demanding a new election. The left‑wing “Groupe de la démocratie” has accused Macron of “over‑centralising power” and “ignoring the will of the people.” Meanwhile, the “Les Républicains” argue that Macron’s policies threaten the French way of life and that a new election would restore a balance of power in Parliament. The “Groupe de la démocratie” has also called for Macron’s resignation, citing his handling of the COVID‑19 pandemic, the “gilets jaunes” protests, and perceived erosion of democratic norms.

The call for resignation is amplified by the political rhetoric of the “Groupe de la démocratie.” In a recent press conference, the group’s spokesperson highlighted a series of “missteps” that culminated in a growing gap between the administration and the public. “The President has abandoned the people’s concerns for his own political survival,” the spokesperson declared.

Potential Impact on French Politics and Europe

A snap election would have far-reaching implications for France’s domestic and international stance. On the one hand, it could provide a clearer mandate for Macron or a stronger opposition coalition to shape the country’s future. On the other hand, it risks deepening political fragmentation, which could weaken France’s ability to negotiate within the European Union. With the European Parliament elections looming, a new French political alignment could shift France’s influence on EU policies—especially those related to climate change, migration, and defence.

Political analysts argue that a new election might also set the stage for a more populist platform to gain traction. Right‑wing parties that have previously been marginalized could see an opportunity to mobilise voters disillusioned with the current political order. The “Groupe de la démocratie” is already warning of a possible “populist takeover” if a new election fails to curb the current policy drift.

Macron’s Calculated Dilemma

Macron’s decision to call a snap election is a high‑stakes gamble. He faces a choice between risking a fresh loss in Parliament and possibly losing the presidency, or maintaining his current position with the hope of incremental reforms. Analysts note that, given the current split, an election could either consolidate his position by rallying his base or open the door for a coalition that would outstrip his own. The President’s advisors have reportedly suggested a “political reset” that could either rejuvenate his administration or force a hand that would lead to a change of leadership.

Beyond the electoral calculus, Macron also faces the weight of public opinion. In a recent poll conducted by the Centre d’Etudes et d’Informations sur les Relations Internationales (CEIRI), 58% of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s economic and social policies. This discontent is mirrored in local town‑hall meetings where citizens vocalised frustrations over rising living costs, unemployment rates, and the perceived detachment of the political elite.

Conclusion: A Nation at a Crossroads

The debate over a snap election is far from settled. While the Constitutional Council remains ready to interpret the law, the political momentum is largely driven by the opposition’s insistence on a decisive change. A new election could either reinforce Macron’s authority or usher in a new political era. As France teeters on the brink, its citizens, lawmakers, and the European community await the next move with bated breath.

In a country known for its rich democratic tradition and its penchant for “la grande délibération,” the stakes could not be higher. Whether France chooses to hold a snap election will not only determine the fate of President Emmanuel Macron but will also set the tone for European politics in the coming years. The coming weeks will likely be a pivotal moment for French democracy—an election that may shape the nation’s future as much as the political climate in Europe.