Macron's Gamble: Political Turmoil in France

French President Emmanuel Macron admitted his early election call caused instability, resulting in a hung parliament. He plans to address key issues through referendums, highlighting Europe's trade and security challenges. The decision led to failing to approve a 2025 budget and required appointing a new prime minister.

French President Emmanuel Macron admitted on Tuesday that his decision to call early parliamentary elections led to increased political instability within the country, marking a rare acknowledgment of error. His gambit resulted in a hung parliament and a stronger presence of far-right lawmakers, which diluted his political strength.

Macron's speech came as he recognized the dissolution of the parliament created more divisions without solving issues for the French people. After losing a workable majority, it took two months to form a minority government, which collapsed in December, preventing the approval of the 2025 budget.

Amid these challenges, Macron indicated a potential resort to referendums for pivotal decisions and called for greater European self-reliance in trade and security. As the EU faces growing international pressures, he stressed Europe's need to bolster its own defenses.

(With inputs from agencies.)