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French election results a boon for ASEAN-EU relations
The results of the recent legislative election in France have wider relevance in the context of the EU's regional integration project with respect to ASEAN's vision of becoming a regional community.
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The logos of ASEAN and the European Union are combined in this undated photomontage. (Reuters) (Reuters)
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and many others were able to breathe a sigh of relief as we saw the far-right National Rally (RN) coming in third in the second round of the French election. Though it was a big disappointment for Marine Le Pen and her premiership candidate Jordan Bardella, RN has emerged as the biggest party and its seats in parliament have increased exponentially.
President Emmanuel Macron’s shock decision to call for snap elections fueled a lot anxiety across the European Union. Indeed, at stake was the heart and soul of not only France but also the EU.
I sometimes wish that Southeast Asia could evoke equally strong sentiment among the region’s citizenry. Instead, what they can express at most is resignation and frustration.
But allow me to elaborate on why political stability matters to the EU.
In the end, Macron’s gamble paid off, since his primary goal was to disable and disempower the rise of the far right.
The fact that his Renaissance party, which was decimated during the recent European Parliament election, came second behind the left-wing coalition cobbled together only a month ago, should be viewed with satisfaction.
Now, Macron will have to appoint a new prime minister that reflects the election results and provide impetus to address the anxieties and fears of the French people.
