Former Socialist prime minister Lionel Jospin (1997 to 2002) reflects on Emmanuel Macron's decision to dissolve the Assemblée Nationale. He criticizes the "arrogance" and "carelessness" of the president, whose decision could lead the far-right Rassemblement National party to power. Jospin also hails the creation of the left-wing alliance le Nouveau Front Populaire, the only "dam," according to him, capable of containing the far-right party.

He has the power to do so. But such an important decision cannot be taken lightly. Article 12 of the Constitution imposes three consultations on the president which, while not binding on the head of state, are designed to enlighten him. However, the prime minister, the president of the Sénat and the president of the Assemblée Nationale have all opposed the dissolution. Once again, Emmanuel Macron decided alone.

That's true. But since these opinions were negative, the president could have given himself time to weigh up the risks he was taking for the country at a time when the Rassemblement National was making headway. Instead, he rushed ahead. And, what's worse, he's dragging the French into his haste. The president says he's giving the people a say, but our fellow citizens are going to have to make some tough decisions in a very short time. The parliamentary election campaign will last less than 15 days. This is unreasonable.

The first argument is weak. In the past, other leaders were able to govern with a relative majority. Today, the president is unable to do so, perhaps because of his inexperience, and above all because he doesn't know how to engage in dialogue. From this point of view, the dissolution is an admission of failure. The second argument is worrisome. Yes, there was a surge in the Rassemblement National, but it was expressed in the European setting. Back home, the next national election was three years away. By calling the parliamentary elections now, the president is giving the Rassemblement National the opportunity to run for power in France. This is not responsible.

This time, I'd call it arrogance and carelessness. Because to surprise is not enough to become the master of the game. President Chirac experienced this in his time. However, in 1997, the alternative was the plural left. The far right was a concern, but not a threat. Once elected, the then-president had reneged on his promise to fight the social divide in favor of an orthodox and unjust economic policy. The French turned their backs on him. We won the parliamentary elections and governed for five years, quite well.

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