Macron expresses regret over early elections in New Year's speech

paris - French President Emmanuel Macron admitted regret over calling for early parliamentary elections in June, stating that it resulted in more instability than peace.

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed regret over his decision to call for early parliamentary elections in June, saying that it has brought more instability than peace at the moment. The speech marked the end of a tumultuous 2024 for Macron, who shocked the nation midway through the year by calling for early elections. The gamble backfired, leading to a divided parliament with a significant increase in far-right members. "Clarity and humility force me to acknowledge that this decision has currently resulted in more instability than peace, and I fully admit that," Macron said.

Macron made the decision to call for early elections following a poor result for him in the European elections. He justified the new election by arguing that it was necessary to "clarify the political situation." However, he lost his majority in parliament and took two months to appoint a minority government, which ultimately collapsed in December, the first time this had happened in France since 1962.

As a result, France failed to approve a budget for 2025 before the deadline. Earlier this month, Macron appointed his fourth prime minister of the year, centrist François Bayrou.