Emmanuel Macron's “circle of acolytes” is shrinking. The decision to dissolve parliament was made by a four-person group with his closest advisors. Even the ministers were surprised, and the prime minister – Macron's protégé – was one of the last to learn – describes “The New York Times”.
On Sunday we France takes place first round of early parliamentary elections. They were convened because the president Emmanuel Macron dissolved the parliament after the defeat of the ruling coalition in European elections at the beginning of June.
In the pre-election polls, with the support of 36 percent, was led by the far-right National Union. Macron's centrist Rebirth party and its allies gained about 20 percent, landing in third place behind the leftist New Popular Front.
READ MORE: They have a chance to form a government. The political path of the National Union
Macron wants “an explanation”, “he played Russian roulette with France
Macron himself calls himself an “incurable optimist.” As he explained, the decision to hold early elections is an expression of respect for democratic principles. Ignoring the defeat in the European parliamentary elections and continuing to govern as if nothing had happened would, according to Macron, show contempt for this system.
According to the president, a clear “explanation” of the will of the French is needed, which is only possible in the form of a nationwide vote. – He played Russian roulette with France. This is almost inexcusable, says Celia Belin of the Paris-based European Council on Foreign Relations.
In Paris – reports the “NYT” – there is talk of Macron's “crazy gambling”, “losing touch with reality” and “blinding ego”.
Emmanuel Macron voted in the electionsEPA/YARA NARDI
The president's “circle of acolytes” is shrinking. Decision made by a group of four people
Macron's style of governing France was based on his top-down decisions, but this time – writes the New York Times – he could go one step too far and “lead to something previously unimaginable” – the formation of an extreme right-wing government.
The group with which the president decided to dissolve parliament and hold early elections was very narrow. It was to consist of only four people – the president and his closest advisors.
Many French ministers were surprised and stunned by the willingness to take such a risk. Even Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, a Macron protégé, was “among the last to know.” He was – the NYT reports – ignored.
The American daily notes that the French president, who took the Elysee Palace by storm seven years ago, is becoming increasingly isolated, and “the circle of his acolytes” is getting smaller with each passing month.
“The New York Times”, “Le Monde”, tvn24.pl
Main image source: EPA/YARA NARDI