French President Emmanuel Macron calls for anti-extremist alliance in snap elections

French President Emmanuel Macron called for moderate politicians from the left and the right to come together in order to defeat Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally (RN) in an upcoming snap legislative election. 

Macron on Sunday announced that he was dissolving the parliament after the far-right defeated his centrist alliance in EU polls. Macron called snap legislative elections on June 30 and July 7. 

Just a few days after the shocking announcement, Macron said that he wants "men and women of goodwill who were able to say 'no' to extremes to join together to be able to build a joint project" for the country. 

Also read: Macron's great gamble: Why did French president dissolve parliament? What if his party loses? 

He acknowledged making mistakes, saying people had expressed their indignation but he also added that he felt they were not being heard. 

"I hope that when the time comes, men and women of goodwill who will have been able to say no to the extremes will come together... will put themselves in a position to build a shared, sincere project that is useful to the country," Macron told journalists. 

"The answer, in my eyes, could not come through changing the government or a coalition... dissolving parliament was necessary," he added. 

Macro further said that he doesn't want to give the keys of power to the extreme right in 2027. "So I fully accept having triggered a movement to provide clarification," he said, claiming that RN policies would impoverish workers and retirees. 

Also read: UK police charge man who hurled objects at British right-wing leader Nigel Farage 

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What if RN wins a parliamentary majority? 

Macron would remain president for three more years and direct defence and foreign policy if RN were to win a parliamentary majority. 

However, he would lose control over the domestic agenda, including economic policy, security, immigration and finances. He has said in advance he would not quit if his ruling alliance loses. 

He called "many of our compatriots and political leaders who do not recognise themselves in the extremist fever" to "build a new project ... a coalition to govern, a coalition to act in the service of the French and for the republic". 

(With inputs from agencies)