Can Macron still outplay Le Pen?

Petulance, panic and performance. President Macron’s broadcast following the evisceration of his party in last weekend’s elections for the European parliament had elements of all three. Wearing a black tie as if in mourning, he looked shocked, exhausted and angry. ‘The rise of the nationalists and demagogues,’ he said, ‘is a threat not only to our nation but also to our Europe and to France’s place in Europe and in the world… The extreme right is both the impoverishment of the French people and the downfall of our country. So at the end of this day, I can’t pretend that nothing has happened. I decided to give you the choice. Therefore, I will dissolve the Assemblée nationale tonight.’

Was this an honest acknowledgement that he has finally recognised how deeply he has antagonised French voters? It’s doubtful.

Either way, his abrupt decision to call an election seemed baffling.