Emmanuel Macron has taken many risks in a political career marked by countless crises but his decision to call snap elections may be one too many, marring his legacy and ushering in an era of extremes.
The tremors from Macron dissolving the National Assembly after his centrist party suffered a drubbing in European polls remain strong, with even figures close to the president acknowledging unease over the political turmoil.
"It was the president who killed the presidential majority," said former prime minister Edouard Philippe, an ally of Macron.The far-right National Rally (RN) is tipped to win, potentially giving the party of Macron's longtime rival Marine Le Pen the post of prime minister for the first time in a tense "cohabitation".Macron's popularity has sunk to the extent that allies suggested he take a back seat in the campaign, with Prime Minister Gabriel Attal leading the way.For one of Macron's most loyal supporters, some of the resentment stems from his unexpected rise to the presidency.
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