Macron concedes to backlash over parliament dissolution in year-end speech

In his New Year’s address on December 31, French President Emmanuel Macron admitted that his decision to dissolve parliament earlier in 2024 had backfired, contributing to a political crisis rather than offering solutions.

"I must recognize tonight that the dissolution has, for the moment, brought more division in the (National) Assembly than solutions for the French. I take my full part for that," Macron stated reflecting on the decision, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

This marked the closest Macron has come to apologizing for his controversial move in June, which led to early legislative elections. These elections resulted in a hung parliament, with the National Assembly split among three opposing factions, none of which could secure a majority to govern.

Since then, Macron has been forced to cycle through three prime ministers — Gabriel Attal, Michel Barnier, and the current premier, François Bayrou — in search of a leader who could bridge the deep divides in parliament, push through a 2025 budget, and prevent further governmental collapse.

Macron expressed hope for compromise, urging lawmakers to form ad hoc majorities to pass essential legislation. "Our government should be able to follow a path of compromise to get things done," he stated, acknowledging the political gridlock.

The address began on a more positive note, with Macron reflecting on the recent success of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, which momentarily diverted attention from the nation’s political turmoil. "Together this year, we proved that impossible isn’t French," Macron said, sharing video highlights from the Games. "They showed a France full of audacity and panache, crazily free," he added.

Macron also took time to celebrate the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, magnificently restored after the devastating fire in 2019 that destroyed its spire and roof. He hailed the rebuilt cathedral as "the symbol of our French will."

Earlier, on December 4, 2024, the French National Assembly voted in favour of a motion of no confidence against Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s government. The vote, which saw 331 parliamentarians in favour — well above the 289 needed for approval — resulted in the collapse of Barnier’s government after just 91 days in office.

By Tamilla Hasanova