Macron's EU influence is at risk after European elections

French President Emmanuel Macron's delicate political situation could limit his influence in the election of the new top European officials.

Transcript

00:00The French President's decision to dissolve the National Assembly has sent shockwaves

00:06across Europe.

00:09The announcement opens the door to a period of uncertainty in the EU's institutional process.

00:16On one hand, Emmanuel Macron has been weakened by his party's defeat in the European elections.

00:23On the other hand, next month he could face his partners in a situation of cohabitation

00:30if the far right were to win in the early legislative elections.

00:53In 2019, Emmanuel Macron played the role of kingmaker.

01:05He gave Ursula von der Leyen the presidency of the European Commission, he secured the

01:10presidency of the ECB for France, and he managed to offer a super portfolio to the French Commissioner.

01:16In the event of cohabitation, the President risks losing his influence in the drafting

01:21of the next European legislative texts.

01:42Next week, official negotiations to appoint the next President of the European Commission

01:46and the next President of the European Council will start.

01:50France and Germany, the biggest and most powerful countries in the EU, are used to

01:55having the most weight.

01:57This situation could, however, now change.

02:16The first round of legislative elections in France will take place on the 30th of June

02:21and the 7th of July.