Online discussion: France after the new election

France elects a new parliament on 7 July. What do the elections mean for the country - and for Europe? A public online event will take place on Monday, 8 July, in which interested Bocholt citizens can participate. Local for Bocholt, EUROPE DIRECT Bocholt, the Franco-German Society and the Europa-Union Bocholt cordially invite you to attend. Participation in the discussion round is free of charge, starting at 7 pm.

Background: The next parliamentary elections will be held in France on 30 June and 7 July 2024. The 577 members of the 17th National Assembly will be elected in two rounds of voting. This early election became necessary after President Emmanuel Macron announced the dissolution of parliament following the European elections on 9 June 2024.

A bang for the buck in Paris?

Following the disastrous European election result for his party, French President Emmanuel Macron surprisingly dissolved the National Assembly, the parliament, and called a new election. Previously, the far right had become twice as strong as the president's party in the European elections. The results of the second round of voting on 7 July are eagerly awaited. These will answer the question of whether or not the French president has taken too great a risk with the new election.

One day later, interested citizens will be able to discuss the results in an up-to-the-minute manner. The organisers will try to determine what role the important EU country France can play in the future. They will also take a look into the future: Emmanuel Macron may no longer run for office in 2027.

The experts will discuss who could succeed the current president and which candidates are available in the presidential camp and the moderate opposition. Particular attention will be paid to the far-right rival Le Pen. The question of what impact the new balance of power will have on Europe in view of the all-important Franco-German relations will also be discussed.

Experts of the evening

The panel of experts includes Elisabeth Cadot. She was the Germany correspondent for important French media for many years. Siebo Janssen, professor of politics and sought-after expert on Europe, will also be taking part. He will categorise the whole event in terms of European policy. The online event will be moderated by Jochen Leyhe, French and politics teacher at a grammar school in Bonn.

Registration

Registrations are accepted by EUROPE DIRECT Aachen at https://ogy.de/Frankreich-Neuwahl-2024 and EUROPE DIRECT Bocholt by e-mail to sonja.wiessmeier(at)bocholt(dot)de.

The event is a cooperation between the EUROPE DIRECTs Aachen, Bocholt, Essen and Gütersloh as well as the German-French Society Bocholt e.V. and the Europa-Union Bocholt e.V.

About the EUROPE DIRECT Bocholt

EUROPE DIRECT Bocholt is part of the Mayor's Office of the City of Bocholt and is the local point of contact for questions relating to the European Union. Its task is to provide local citizens with information, advice, help and answers to questions about Europe. In addition, EUROPE DIRECT Bocholt aims to promote European involvement and provide information on current European political events.