Elysée tells regional authorities to “prepare” as pressure mounts
France is heading into another phase of political turmoil, with President Emmanuel Macron facing mounting pressure from both the opposition and the public — as well as international credit agencies — amid fears that the 2026 budget remains a fiscal “minefield.”
According to reports not denied by the Élysée Palace, Macron is seriously considering calling early parliamentary elections, just one year and four months after the last vote.
“Prepare” order to local authorities
Sources indicate that Macron’s team has informally notified all regional and departmental administrations with a clear message: “prepare.”
The first round is expected to take place on Sunday, November 16, followed by the second round a week later, on November 23.
If confirmed, Macron will need to dissolve the National Assembly and issue a presidential decree setting the election dates.
A lightning-fast campaign
As in 2024, when French voters went to the polls shortly after the European elections and the sweeping victory of the far-right bloc led by Le Pen and Bardella, this vote would again take place under “express” campaign conditions.
The decision could prove decisive for Macron’s future, as France faces deep political divisions and economic uncertainty, and the Élysée searches for a path out of yet another governance deadlock.
