Macron calls snap election after far right gains rattle EU’s traditional powers

Mr Macron acknowledged the scale of the defeat, saying: 'I’ve heard your message, your concerns, and I won’t leave them unanswered'

French President Emanuel Macron dissolved the National Assembly and called a new legislative election after defeat in EU vote (AP)

Far-right parties have rattled the traditional powers in the European Union with major gains in parliamentary seats, dealing an especially humiliating defeat to French President Emmanuel Macron, who called snap legislative elections.

Some ballots in the vote for the European Parliament are still being counted, but the outcome shows the 27-nation bloc’s parliamentary membership has clearly shifted to the right.