Wed Jan 01 02:15:40 UTC 2025: ## Macron Admits Early Elections Fueled French Instability, Hints at Referendums
**PARIS** – French President Emmanuel Macron issued a rare apology on Tuesday, acknowledging that his decision to call early parliamentary elections in June significantly increased political instability in France. In a televised New Year’s address, Macron admitted the gamble backfired, resulting in a hung parliament with a substantial rise in far-right representation and a weakening of his own power.
“Lucidity and humility force (me) to recognise that at this stage, this decision has produced more instability than peace, and I fully own up to that,” Macron stated. He conceded the early elections deepened divisions within the Assembly rather than providing solutions for the French people. This marks the clearest admission of fault since the controversial election.
The snap election, initially justified by Macron as a means to clarify the political landscape following poor European election results, instead led to the formation of a minority government that collapsed in December – the first such occurrence since 1962. This government collapse resulted in France failing to approve a budget for 2025 before the year-end deadline, necessitating the appointment of Macron’s fourth prime minister in 2024, veteran centrist Francois Bayrou.
Looking ahead, Macron hinted at the potential use of referendums to address key national issues, stating he would ask the French to decide on “decisive issues” concerning the economy, democracy, security, and the future of the nation. While he didn’t specify the topics, this suggests a shift towards a more participatory approach.
On the international stage, Macron called for a stronger and more assertive European Union, particularly in trade. He criticized reliance on others, particularly the US, stating the EU must “say no to trade rules enacted by others” and resist dependence without reciprocal benefits. He cited the war in Ukraine, instability in the Middle East, and election manipulation in several Eastern European countries as reasons for the EU to bolster its own security and defense capabilities.
First Piper 