Emmanuel Macron addressed the French people in a letter published in the regional press just a week before the first round of legislative elections. In the letter, he justified his decision to dissolve the National Assembly and appealed to voters to allow his camp to obtain a majority of deputies, as the far-right Rassemblement National (RN) was leading in the polls and the left was united under the banner of the Nouveau Front populaire (NFP). Macron explained that the functioning of the Assembly and the disorder of recent months could not continue, as the oppositions were preparing to overthrow the government in the fall, which would have plunged the country into a crisis during the budget process.
Macron acknowledged that the decision to dissolve the Assembly was difficult and sudden for parliamentarians and the French people, causing surprise, concern, rejection, and even anger towards him. He emphasized that the upcoming elections were a serious moment of trust, posing the question of who would govern France. He presented the choice between the far-right proposal, which he stated would divide the nation and ignore climate change, and the left coalition of the NFP, which he accused of lacking clarity on secularism and anti-Semitism, being divided on climate change, and proposing significant tax increases. Macron advocated for a third option, the central block of Ensemble pour la Republique, which he believed was the best choice for the country to prevent both the far-right and far-left in the second round.
Macron also reflected on his government’s achievements, acknowledging that it was not perfect but would be challenged if the extremes were to prevail. He promised stronger responses to insecurity, impunity, discrimination, and expressed an understanding of the democratic discomfort in the country. He recognized the need for a deep change in governance, hoping that the upcoming government would bring together republicans of various sensitivities who courageously opposed the extremes. Macron assured that he would remain president until the end of his mandate in May 2027, even in the case of defeat and cohabitation, committing to act as a protector of the Republic and its values.
In his appeal to abstentionists, Macron urged them not to be afraid and to vote. He emphasized the importance of participation and expressed his commitment to continue serving the people and the nation until the end of his term. Despite suggestions from some opponents, such as Marine Le Pen, that he would be forced to resign in the event of electoral defeat, Macron assured the public that he would fulfill his presidential duties with respect for pluralism and the choices of the people. His message aimed to rally support for his vision of a moderate and centrist government that would bring stability and progress to France.
