Macron said the results were a disaster for his government, and one he could not pretend to ignore. In a high-risk political gamble, less than two months before Paris hosts the Olympics, he said lower house elections would be called for June 30, with a second-round vote on July 7.

The president’s widely unexpected decision could leave him in a nearly powerless position if Le Pen's National Rally (RN) party wins a parliamentary majority.

Led by telegenic 28-year-old Jordan Bardella, the first exit polls saw the RN winning around 32% of the vote in Sunday's vote, more than double that of Macron’s 15%. The Socialists came within a whisker of Macron, with 14%.

Marine Le Pen welcomed Macron’s decision.

“We are ready to take over the power if the French give us their trust in the upcoming national elections,” she said during a rally.