After E.U. vote, France’s president called for new elections
President Emmanuel Macron of France, who was dealt a crushing defeat by the extreme right in European elections, dissolved the lower house of Parliament yesterday. He called for legislative elections beginning on June 30.
Macron’s decision was indicative of the devastating nature of the European Parliament election results. His centrist party was projected to finish with less than half the support of Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally, which is set to become the leading French party.
“The rise of nationalists and demagogues is a danger for our nation and for Europe,” Macron said. “After this day, I cannot go on as though nothing has happened.”
My colleague Aurelien Breeden, who covers France, weighed in on the decision. “It’s a little hard to say definitively why Macron decided to make this move now,” he said. “But his domestic agenda has been hobbled by a weak majority in the lower house of Parliament for the past two years, and the strong far-right showing appears to have convinced him that he could no longer proceed with business as usual.”
Partial results for the European Parliament elections, held by 27 countries in the E.U., appeared to show voters largely backing centrist candidates, with far-right parties making serious inroads in France and Germany. Centrist political groups lost seats but were poised to maintain a majority of more than 400 seats in the 720-seat assembly. But the outcome has unsettled the bloc’s mainstream establishment and seems likely to steel the far-right as a disruptive force. Here are live results.
The right’s rise: Right-wing parties made gains as voters concentrated on nationalism and identity — themes often tied to migration and some culture-war politics.
The timing: Macron’s decision ushers in a period of deep political uncertainty in France weeks before the Paris Olympics are to begin.
In Germany: Alternative for Germany, a far-right party that was officially labeled a “suspected” extremist group by the country’s authorities, had a strong showing. Projected results would make it Germany’s second-ranking party.
Benny Gantz quit Israel’s government
The Israeli politician Benny Gantz, a key member of the war cabinet, quit the government yesterday over 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 lift the government’s international credibility.
Last month, Gantz threatened to resign unless Netanyahu worked to immediately address major issues, including plans for the return of hostages and for the future governance of Gaza. Without Gantz’s party, the prime minister’s government will be made up of his right-wing Likud party, three far-right parties and two ultra-Orthodox factions. Analysts have said that Gantz’s departure may embolden far-right ministers in the coalition.
The war: Israel’s operation to rescue four hostages in central Gaza on Saturday unleashed a heavy aerial bombardment and ground operations that killed scores of people, according to Gaza health officials. The rescue offered a glimpse into an ambitious intelligence operation to save the hostages.
In Israel: Euphoria at the rescue quickly gave way to a harsh reality. Around 120 captives remain in Gaza, and Israelis fear that time is running out. About a third of them have already been declared dead by the Israeli authorities.
Modi began his third term
A humbled Narendra Modi was sworn in yesterday for a third term as India’s prime minister. 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 necessary. But to run the nation, a consensus is necessary.” But one question remains: After more than two decades in elected office, can Modi truly become a consensus builder?
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Cricket’s T20 World Cup
India beat Pakistan yesterday at the men’s T20 Cricket World Cup, which was hosted on Long Island. India won by six runs: Batting first, it scored 119 to Pakistan’s 113.
Geopolitical tensions heightened the rivalry between the two cricketing nations. Matches between the two countries are rare — they do not collaborate outside International Cricket Council events because of political hostility. More than 400 million people were expected to watch.