Macron Considers Dissolving National Assembly Amid Political Strife and Public Opinion
Emmanuel Macron is evaluating the dissolution of the French National Assembly as public support grows amid political instability.
Key Points
- • Macron regains power to dissolve the Assembly after one year
- • 50% of citizens support dissolution, marking a significant increase
- • Internal cabinet conflicts are straining the government
- • Public sentiment remains wary of another dissolution, viewing it as a last resort.
Emmanuel Macron is once again at a crossroads regarding the dissolution of the French National Assembly, a power he regained a year ago. This consideration emerges from political turmoil within his government, characterized by internal conflicts and a perceived lack of action on pressing issues. Notably, public sentiment on this matter shows a rising inclination; recent polls indicate that 50% of French citizens now support the idea of Macron dissolving the Assembly, marking a substantial rise of 9 percentage points since June 2025.
The backdrop of this political dilemma includes significant tensions within the cabinet, especially highlighted by disagreements involving Minister of the Interior Bruno Retailleau. As the government braces for a potential censure motion aimed at the upcoming budget, similar to the one that resulted in former Prime Minister Michel Barnier's downfall last year, Macron’s options are narrowing. Political analyst Olivier Rouquan emphasizes that if the government faces censure and struggles to find a new Prime Minister, dissolution could be perceived as a necessary course of action.
Despite this precarious landscape, Macron has shown reluctance to pursue another dissolution due to the ungovernable situation that followed the last election. The fractured nature of the Assembly following his previous dissolution raises serious concerns regarding the effectiveness of reinstating stability through new elections. Rouquan warns that opting for dissolution could lead to repeating historical mistakes, creating an unstable majority that would further complicate Macron's governance as he nears the end of his term.
Moreover, the lingering resentment among the electorate regarding the previous dissolution complicates Macron's justification for this dramatic measure. Many citizens remain unconvinced, implying that any future dissolution would likely be categorized as a ‘last resort.’ Macron's current challenge is to balance the immediate pressures from internal dissent with the broader implications of his decision on public trust and the governmental structure of France moving forward.