Macron warns of "civil war" if far left or far right wins

French President Macron cautioned on Monday that a victory for either the far left or far right in the upcoming snap election could lead to "civil war", Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

Macron expressed concerns that both the far-left France Unbowed and Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally promote divisive policies that exacerbate societal tensions.

In an interview with the podcast "Generation Do It Yourself," Macron criticized the far-right's approach to insecurity, which he argued reduces individuals to their religious or ethnic identities, potentially fueling civil unrest. He also criticized the far-left, led by Jean-Luc Mélenchon, for what he sees as exploiting divisions for electoral gain, particularly in relation to issues like the Israel-Gaza conflict.

Macron's decision to call for a snap election on June 9 followed a significant defeat for his coalition by the National Rally in the European elections. As France prepares for parliamentary elections, recent polls indicate a strong showing for the National Rally, with concerns growing over the potential for a record number of far-right MPs in the National Assembly.

Warning of economic instability and increased conflict, Macron and his allies have cautioned against the risks posed by extreme political outcomes. He emphasized the importance of rejecting divisive rhetoric and maintaining unity, especially during times of societal discontent and economic hardship.