By ATTS 
On Monday, July 4, 2023, France’s Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne unexpectedly announced the dissolution of the National Assembly. This dramatic move, which effectively ends her two-month-old government, has sent shockwaves through the country and raised questions about the future of French politics.
Understanding the Situation
Why Did It Happen?
The dissolution of the National Assembly was triggered by a motion of censure, or no confidence vote, that was filed by the left-wing alliance NUPES. The motion passed by a vote of 337 to 331, with Macron’s centrist party La République en Marche (LREM) and its allies voting against.
The motion of censure was filed in response to the government’s handling of a controversial pension reform bill. The bill, which would have raised the retirement age from 62 to 65, was deeply unpopular with the public and faced strong opposition from both the left and the right.
What Happens Next?
With the National Assembly dissolved, France will hold new parliamentary elections within the next two months. The elections will be held in two rounds, with the first round taking place on June 12 and the second round on June 19.
Possible Outcomes
The outcome of the elections is highly uncertain. However, there are a few possible scenarios:
- Macron’s party retains a majority: This would allow Macron to continue his agenda, including the pension reform bill. However, it is considered unlikely given the current political climate.
- NUPES wins a majority: This would give the left-wing alliance a strong mandate to implement its own agenda, which likely includes rolling back the pension reform bill.
- Hung parliament: In this scenario, no party wins a majority, and Macron would be forced to negotiate with other parties to form a coalition government. This could lead to political instability and gridlock.
Implications for France
The collapse of the French government has significant implications for the country. It raises questions about the stability of the political system, the future of Macron’s presidency, and the direction of French policy.
Political Stability
The dissolution of the National Assembly is a blow to the stability of the French political system. It is the first time in nearly 60 years that a government has collapsed before the end of its term.
Macron’s Presidency
The collapse of the government is a major setback for Macron. It weakens his authority and makes it more difficult for him to implement his agenda. It is also a blow to his hopes of securing a second term in 2027.
Direction of French Policy
The outcome of the parliamentary elections will have a major impact on the direction of French policy. If Macron’s party wins a majority, he will be able to continue with his centrist agenda. However, if the left-wing NUPES wins a majority, it could lead to a significant shift in policy, including the reversal of the pension reform bill.
Conclusion
The collapse of the French government is a major political event with significant implications for the country. It raises questions about the stability of the political system, the future of Macron’s presidency, and the direction of French policy. The outcome of the upcoming parliamentary elections will determine the path that France takes in the years to come.
