After the EU vote, the French president called for new elections
President Emmanuel Macron of France, who was heavily defeated by the far right in European elections, Dissolve the House of Representatives Yesterday. He called for legislative elections to begin on June 30.
Macron’s decision shows the brutal nature of the European Parliament election results. His centrist party is expected to finish with less than half the support of Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally Party, which is expected to become France’s leading party.
“The rise of nationalists and demagogues is a danger for our country and for Europe,” Mr. Macron said. “After today, I cannot continue as if nothing happened.”
My colleague Aurelien Breeden, who covers France, weighed in on the decision. “It is difficult to say exactly why Macron decided to make this move now,” he said. “But his domestic agenda has been hampered by weak House majorities over the past two years, and the strong showing of the far right appears to have convinced him that he cannot continue. Continue business as usual.”
Partial results of the European Parliament elections held by the 27 countries in the EU appear to show that voters largely support centrist candidates, with far-right parties penetrated deeply into France and Germany. Centrist political groups lost seats but were still poised to maintain a majority of more than 400 seats in the 720-seat parliament. But the result has disturbed the bloc’s mainstream and appears likely to turn the far right into a disruptive force. This is direct results.
The rise of the right: Right-wing parties have made gains as voters focus on nationalism and identity – themes often associated with migration and some culture war politics.
Time: by Macron The decision ushered in a period of deep political unrest in France weeks before the Paris Olympics began.
In Germany: Germany’s alternative, a far-right party officially labeled by the country’s authorities as a “suspected” extremist group, has shown strongly. The result is expected to make it Germany’s second-ranked party.
Benny Gantz leaves the Israeli government
Israeli politician Benny Gantz, a key member of the war cabinet, left the government yesterday about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the war in Gaza. The move is unlikely to force Netanyahu to resign, but Gantz’s moderate stance has helped boost the government’s international reputation.
Last month, Gantz threatened to resign unless Netanyahu made efforts to immediately resolve major issues, including the hostage return plan and future management 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 far-right ministers in the coalition.
War: Israel’s rescue of four hostages in central Gaza on Saturday sparked an intense air bombardment and ground operations killing dozens of people, according to Gaza health officials. The rescue provided a glimpse of one Ambitious intelligence operation to save hostages.
In Israel: The excitement of being rescued quickly gave way to harsh reality. Around 120 detainees remain in Gaza, and Israelis fear that time is running out. About a third of them have been declared dead by Israeli authorities.
Modi begins his third term
ONE Narendra Modi humbly took oath of office yesterday in his third term as prime minister of India. He adopted a more modest tone after losing his parliamentary majority and being forced into a coalition government.
Modi gave a conciliatory speech on Friday: “To run the government, a majority is needed. But to run the country, there needs to be consensus.” But one question remains: After more than two decades in power, can Modi truly become a consensus builder?
Japan’s weak yen has attract tourists to the country. But some residents are increasingly frustrated as popular sites in cities like Kyoto begin to feel unmanageable and foreign tourists flood into places previously unknown to visitors.
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Cricket’s T20 World Cup
India defeated Pakistan yesterday at the Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup, held on Long Island. India wins after six runs: Batting first, it scored 119 against Pakistan’s 113.
Geopolitical tensions increase competition between two ticketing countries. Matches between the two countries are rare – they do not cooperate outside of International Cricket Council events because of political animosity. More than 400 million people are expected to watch.
