French President Macron Warns of Civil War Risk in Upcoming Election

French President Emmanuel Macron has issued a stark warning about the potential for civil war if either the far left or far right wins the upcoming snap election. He expressed concerns about the divisive policies of Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally and Jean-Luc Melenchon’s far-left France Unbowed.

Macron criticized the far-right’s approach to insecurity, arguing it reduces people to their religion or origin, which could push the country towards civil war. Similarly, he denounced the far-left’s strategy of dividing people along religious or ethnic lines for electoral gains.

The decision to call for a snap election on June 9 came after Macron’s coalition suffered a significant setback against the National Rally in the European elections. As France prepares for parliamentary elections, Macron warned that a surge in support for the far right could result in a record number of National Rally members in the National Assembly.

Recent polls indicate a competitive electoral landscape, with the National Rally projected to secure 35% of the vote in the first round, ahead of a left-wing alliance, including France Unbowed, at 27%, and Macron’s centrist party at 19%.

Macron and his allies have been vocal about the potential risks associated with a victory for either extreme end of the political spectrum. On Monday, Macron emphasized that the extremes increase conflict and civil war. He stated, “When you are fed up, and daily life is hard, you can be tempted to vote for the extremes that have quicker solutions. But the solution will never be to reject others.”