Élections législatives – “Ne vous résignez pas, votez” : Emmanuel Macron adresse une lettre aux Français – France Bleu

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1. In English:

   Letter to the French People from Emmanuel Macron

   My dear Compatriots,

   Two weeks ago, I announced the dissolution of our National Assembly. I made this decision with responsibility, with great seriousness, and after several weeks of reflection. I took this step in the interest of the country above all else, including personal considerations, as I have no further electoral deadlines by definition.

   Firstly, the functioning of our Assembly and the disorder of recent months could not continue. The oppositions were preparing to overthrow the government in the fall, which would have plunged our country into a crisis at the very moment of the budget.

   Secondly, the presidential majority had suffered a heavy defeat in the European elections, accompanied by nearly 50% of the votes cast for the far right and far left. I could have ignored this. Believe me, it was the comfortable solution to which I did not yield.

   I could have changed the Prime Minister and the government and thus drawn lessons from an election in which the head of government, at my request, was involved. Many of my predecessors have done so. It would have been easy for me. But it would not have solved any problems.

   So yes, this dissolution was the only possible choice to acknowledge your vote in the European elections, to respond to the existing disorder, and to prevent greater disorder to come. To act at a time when our country is facing historical challenges.

   This decision has been difficult and sudden for the parliamentarians and their collaborators. I express to them my friendship and respect. I thank the mayors, their teams, and the volunteers who will run our polling stations and count the ballots on June 30 and July 7.

   I know that for many of you, this was a surprise that has caused anxiety, rejection, and sometimes even anger directed at me. I understand and hear it.

   But this decision is the only one that can allow our country to move forward and come together. Asking you to choose, trusting you, is this not the very meaning of democracy and our Republic?

   The upcoming election is a serious and significant trust appointment, an occasion on which we must clarify the choice for our country and our lives. For this election is not about electing a woman or a man, it is neither a presidential election nor a vote of confidence in the President of the Republic. It is the election of 577 deputies. It is the election of a government majority. It is about one question: who will govern France? With three clear propositions.

   One, on the far right, revolves around the National Rally. It claims to better address illegal immigration and insecurity without proposing anything concrete. It divides the Nation by opposing those it calls true French and paper French. It ignores climate change and its consequences. It promises to restore purchasing power but, by reversing pension reforms or making promises about energy prices, it will increase your taxes.

   The second proposition is from La France Insoumise and its allies. It refuses clarity on secularism and anti-Semitism. It is divided on the response to climate change. It claims to address the injustices in our society with a massive tax increase for all, not just the richest.

   The third proposition is from the central bloc of Ensemble pour la République! It is supported by a Prime Minister and political leaders you know, and proposes to continue reforms for work, reindustrialization, a results-driven ecology, to invest in public services without additional taxes or debt, and to defend a clear secularism and restored authority from schools to justice. It defends clear choices on Israel and Gaza as well as on Ukraine and has built a stronger army over the past seven years, doubling its budget.

   This third way is the best for our country. Not only because it protects the French and prepares the future, but because it is the only one that can surely block the far right and far left in the second round.

   The candidates of Ensemble pour la République have a record that is undoubtedly imperfect but would be challenged if the extremes prevailed. Over the past seven years, much has been achieved: restored attractiveness, reopened factories, more than 2 million jobs created, tax reductions, salary increases notably for our caregivers and teachers, a French approach to ecology that reduces emissions six times faster, strengthening our public services in mainland France and overseas, actions for gender equality, support and inclusion for people with disabilities, protection against crises like COVID, the war in Ukraine, and inflation.

   All this deserves that we continue the work.

   But the objective cannot be only to continue what has been done. I have heard that you want change.

   I have heard you on insecurity, impunity. On lives made impossible by delinquents, repeat offenders, the violence of some minors in our cities and villages. This has fueled the choice of some for the National Rally. The government will therefore have to provide much stronger and firmer responses.

   You have expressed a strong demand for social justice. Today in France, when you do not grow up in the “right family” or the “right neighborhood”, achieving the standard of living of those well-born is almost impossible. Even when you have a lot of talent. And even by working hard. Therefore, the next government will have to reform childhood policies, better protect our youth, and fight more strongly against all forms of discrimination.

   And then, I am not blind: I recognize the democratic malaise. This fracture between the people and those who govern the country that we have not managed to bridge. Yes, the way of governing must change profoundly. The upcoming government, which will necessarily reflect your vote, will bring together, I hope, republicans of diverse sensitivities who have had the courage to oppose the extremes.

   As you understand, through these legislative elections on June 30 and July 7, it is about choosing a majority to protect the values of the Republic, govern with respect, and carry an ambition for France.

   For this, I trust you: analyze the programs, decide, and go vote. Consciously and responsibly. For this, I trust the political leaders of the republican arc, hoping they can work together from July 8.

   For this, I trust the leaders of the majority and the Prime Minister to remain united, serving their candidates in each constituency, serving an action plan for the country.

   Finally, you can trust me to act until May 2027 as your President, always protecting our Republic, our values, respecting pluralism and your choices, at your service and that of the Nation.

   This election is ours. It is you who will make it. So do not be afraid, do not resign. Vote. Choose respect, ambition, and justice for our Nation. We deserve it. France deserves it.

   With my trust.

   Emmanuel MACRON