Monday Briefing: Macron calls new French legislative elections

Also, Benny Gantz leaves Israel’s government
Morning Briefing: Asia Pacific Edition

June 10, 2024

Good morning. We’re covering France’s reaction to European elections and Benny Gantz’s departure from Israel’s emergency government.

Plus, cricket’s T20 World Cup.

A television screen shows French President Emmanuel Macron, in a dark suit and tie.
President Emmanuel Macron announced his decision in a television broadcast to France. Lewis Joly/Associated Press

France’s president calls for new elections after E.U. vote

President Emmanuel Macron of France, dealt a crushing defeat by the extreme right in European elections, dissolved the lower house of Parliament yesterday. He called for legislative elections beginning on June 30.

Macron’s decision was a measure of the devastating nature of the European Parliament election results. His centrist party was poised to finish with about half the support of Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally, which is set to become the leading French party.

“The rise of nationalists and demagogues is a danger for our nation and for Europe,” Macron said. “After this day I cannot go on as though nothing has happened.”

Early projections for the European Parliament elections, held by 27 countries in the E.U., appeared to show strong gains for several far-right parties. If confirmed, the results would amount to a powerful gauge of voter dissatisfaction and a stinging rebuke for the political mainstream. Here are live results.

“The move was not widely expected, and its fallout still unclear, so it’s a little hard to say definitively why Macron decided to make this move now,” my colleague Aurelien Breeden, who covers France, told me. “But his domestic agenda has been hobbled by a weak majority in the lower house of Parliament for the past two years, and the strong far-right showing appears to have convinced him that he could no longer proceed with business as usual.”

The right’s rise: Right-wing parties made gains as voters concentrated on nationalism and identity — themes often tied to migration and some culture-war politics. Lingering anger over Covid policies might have also played a role.

More on France: Macron’s decision comes weeks before the summer Olympic Games are set to begin in Paris in July and ushers in a period of deep political uncertainty in France.

In Germany: Alternative for Germany, a far-right party that was officially labeled a “suspected” extremist group by the country’s authorities, had a strong showing. Projected results would make it Germany’s second-ranking party.

Benny Gantz, wearing a dark blue suit and blue tie, stands behind a podium, speaking. Israeli flags flank him.
Benny Gantz said his party was leaving the emergency government “with a heavy but complete heart.” Ohad Zwigenberg/Associated Press

Benny Gantz quits Israel’s government

The Israeli politician Benny Gantz, a key member of the war cabinet, quit the government yesterday over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the war in Gaza. The move is unlikely to force Netanyahu from office, but Gantz’s moderate positions have helped boost the government’s international credibility.

Last month, Gantz threatened to resign unless Netanyahu worked to immediately answer major questions, including the return of hostages and the future governance of Gaza. Without Gantz’s party, the prime minister’s government will be made up of the right-wing Likud party, two far-right parties and two ultra-Orthodox factions. Analysts have said that Gantz’s departure could embolden far-right ministers in the coalition.

The war: Israel’s operation to rescue four hostages in central Gaza on Saturday unleashed a heavy aerial bombardment and ground operations that killed more than 200 people, according to two hospital officials in the area.

In Israel: Euphoria at the rescue quickly gave way to a harsh reality. Around 120 captives remain in Gaza, and Israelis fear that time is running out to save the hostages — about a quarter of them have already been declared dead by the Israeli authorities.

In central Gaza: Satellite imagery shows new tent cities rising as people who fled to Rafah moved yet again.

Narendra Modi signs a paper at a table. A man bends over him.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India during the swearing-in ceremony. Rajat Gupta/EPA, via Shutterstock

Modi begins a third term

A humbled Narendra Modi was sworn in yesterday for a third term as India’s prime minister. He is taking a more modest tone now that he has been forced into a coalition government and has lost his parliamentary majority.

He struck a conciliatory tone in a speech on Friday: “To run the government, a majority is necessary. But to run the nation, a consensus is necessary.” He has also publicly foregrounded his main coalition partners in events. But the question remains: Can Modi truly become a consensus builder, which he has not been during more than two decades in elected office?

How it happened: Here’s a map of where he gained and lost voters.

MORE TOP NEWS

A photo from the shoulders up of a slightly smiling man with glasses.
Truong Huy San, the Vietnamese journalist, was known to many by his pen name, Huy Duc. Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
  • Vietnam: The authorities have arrested a top journalist for Facebook posts and accused him of “abusing democratic freedoms,” a charge that rights groups say has been frequently used against critics.
  • Britain: Prime Minister Rishi Sunak apologized for leaving early from a D-Day commemoration in France.
  • Ukraine: Troops say that U.S. shells are making a difference, though Russia still holds an artillery advantage.
  • Iran: Six candidates, including the speaker of Parliament, have been approved to run in the presidential election this month.
  • U.S.: North Dakota’s governor, Doug Burgum, is emerging as a possible running mate for Donald Trump.
  • West Africa: The expensive, yearslong U.S.-led counterterrorism effort in the region has largely failed.

Sports

Carlos Alcaraz, in a black top, holds a trophy. he seems to be smiling with his eyes closed.
Carlos Alcaraz, the Spanish tennis player, celebrated his victory.  Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

MORNING READ

a temple, with massive crowds.
Tourists in Kyoto, Japan. Shoko Takayasu for The New York Times

Japan’s weak yen has drawn tourists to the country. But some Japanese residents are growing frustrated as popular sites in cities like Kyoto start to feel unmanageable and foreign visitors spill into places that were once unknown to tourists.

CONVERSATION STARTERS

  • The fuel for Ukraine’s soldiers: Troops are hooked on energy drinks. Many are marketed specifically to soldiers.
  • The translation market: With English fluency increasing in Europe, readers have started to buy American and British books in the original language. Publishers are worried.
  • Play our game: After years of renting in Dubai, a Frenchwoman decided to put down roots. Which home did she buy?

We hope you’ve enjoyed this newsletter, which is made possible through subscriber support. Subscribe to The New York Times.

ARTS AND IDEAS

A group of men in blue and yellow uniforms stand together. Some are raising their hands in celebration.
Members of India’s team celebrated during the match yesterday. Adam Hunger/Associated Press

Cricket’s T20 World Cup

India beat Pakistan yesterday at the International Cricket Council’s men’s T20 World Cup, which was hosted on Long Island, outside New York City. India won by six runs: Batting first, it scored 119 to Pakistan’s 113.

Geopolitical tensions heightened the rivalry between the two cricketing nations, and viewership was set to be huge. Indeed, matches between the two countries are rare — they do not collaborate outside of I.C.C. events because of political hostility. More than 400 million people, more than three times the Super Bowl’s viewership this year, were expected to watch.

New York may have been a surprising choice of location. Indeed, the stadium was built just for the event and will be gone after the tournament. But the U.S. played host, along with the West Indies, to try to drive cricket’s growth in the U.S. Profits raised from the New York matches will go toward increasing awareness of the sport.

Background: Pakistan came off a shocking loss to the U.S. team. Some commentators called the upset one of the biggest in the sport’s history.

RECOMMENDATIONS

a sheet pan, shot from above. one half is roasted chicken with lemons and mint; the other half is red onion and roasted cherry tomatoes. there is pita bread and lemon wedges on the side.
Johnny Miller for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Rebecca Jurkevich.

Cook: This sheet-pan chicken dinner draws on some of the sunny flavors of the Mediterranean.

Sip: These wines are so dark they’re almost black. Here are a few that we like.

Watch: The smart, fun show Queenie” follows a young Londoner through a rough patch.

Play: Spelling Bee, the Mini Crossword, Wordle and Sudoku. Find all our games here.

Thanks to Aurelien Breeden.

That’s it for today. See you tomorrow. — Amelia

Email us at briefing@nytimes.com.

Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance.

You received this email because you signed up for Morning Briefing: Asia Pacific Edition from The New York Times.

To stop receiving Morning Briefing: Asia Pacific Edition, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings. To opt out of updates and offers sent from The Athletic, submit a request.

Subscribe to The Times

Connect with us on:

facebooktwitterinstagram

Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices

LiveIntent LogoAdChoices Logo

The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018

Older messages

Our ultimate guide to sunscreen

Sunday, June 9, 2024

It's slather season View in browser The Recommendation We've tested nearly 90 sunscreens. Here are our favorites. Our four picks for the best sunscreens, shown with a pair of sunglasses and a

43 great Father’s Day gifts

Saturday, June 8, 2024

Nary a striped tie in sight View in browser The Recommendation The best gifts for dads A selection of the best gifts for days, including a record, notebooks, an LL Bean hat, and a white t-shirt. Photo:

The very best laptops

Friday, June 7, 2024

A different kind of summer surfing View in browser The Recommendation Our ultimate guide to laptops Some of our picks for best laptop, placed around each other in a grid. Some of them are open and

“The best gift I ever gave my dad”

Thursday, June 6, 2024

Write a book View in browser The Recommendation For the dad who “doesn't want anything” A green hardcover book titled "A Collection of Life Stories" on a brown table. The picture is

Friday Briefing: Narendra Modi’s India

Thursday, June 6, 2024

We explain what to expect from his third term. View in browser|nytimes.com Ad Morning Briefing: Asia Pacific Edition June 7, 2024 Author Headshot By Amelia Nierenberg Good morning. Today my colleague

You Might Also Like

How tech went from free love to pay-per-day [Wed Jul 3 2024]

Wednesday, July 3, 2024

Hi The Register Subscriber | Log in The Register {* Daily Headlines *} 3 July 2024 Illustration of someone being chased by money How tech went from free love to pay-per-day FOSS, AI, blockchain, and

A Cooling Mattress Pad That Chilled Me to My Core

Wednesday, July 3, 2024

Here's what you missed on the Strategist. The Strategist Every product is independently selected by editors. If you buy something through our links, New York may earn an affiliate commission. A

Jailhouse block

Wednesday, July 3, 2024

Trump's sentencing was postponed until at least September, in the latest fallout from the Supreme Court's immunity ruling. ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏

Final Hours

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

This advisory has returned a massive 765% since inception compared to the 275% return from the S&P 500 View in browser Final 48 Hours Remember the market jitters a few days ago? Our Forbes Investor

The Democratic Panic Over Biden Is Getting Worse

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Columns and commentary on news, politics, business, and technology from the Intelligencer team. Intelligencer the inside game The Biden Panic Is Getting Worse Anxious lawmakers can't reach him.

We frothed up gallons of milk foam

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

To find the best milk frother for your cappuccinos, lattes, and beyond View in browser The Recommendation The best milk frothers Three milk frothers alongside three mugs containing cappuccinos and a

Wednesday Briefing: Biden’s lapses have increased

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Israel's top generals want a cease-fire and our favorite workouts View in browser|nytimes.com Ad Morning Briefing: Asia Pacific Edition July 3, 2024 Author Headshot By Daniel E. Slotnik Good

Calling All Changemakers

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Join Stacey Abrams, Liev Schreiber and more of the planet's environmental leaders for the Bloomberg Green Festival GeekWire is pleased to present this special sponsored message to our Pacific NW

Roll Out the Beryl

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Storm Blows Away Expectations ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏

☕ And that’s on period

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

One brand's efforts to change period-care marketing restrictions. July 02, 2024 Marketing Brew It's Tuesday. With just two days to go until the Fourth of July, we urge you to stay vigilant